ZBTB24 is a conserved multifaceted transcription factor at genes and centromeres that governs the DNA methylation state and expression of satellite repeats

Abstract

Since its discovery as an Immunodeficiency with Centromeric instability and Facial anomalies syndrome-causative gene, ZBTB24 has emerged as a key player in DNA methylation, immunity and development. By extensively analyzing ZBTB24 genomic functions in ICF-relevant mouse and human cellular models, we revealed here its multiple facets as a transcription factor, with key roles in immune response-related genes expression and also in early embryonic development. Using a constitutive Zbtb24 ICF-like mutant and an auxin-inducible degron system in mouse embryonic stem cells, we showed that ZBTB24 is recruited to centromeric satellite DNA where it is required to establish the correct DNA methylation patterns through the recruitment of DNMT3B. Thus, our results further revealed an essential role for ZBTB24 at human and mouse centromeric satellite arrays, as a transcriptional repressor. Together, we unveiled unprecedented functions of ZBTB24 at human and mouse centromeres by directly controlling DNA methylation and transcription of the underlying tandem satellite repeats.