Tethering-mediated recruitment of pioneer factors by NuRD enables signal dependent gene activation and protects cell identity

Cell identity relies on precise control of transcription factor (TF) activity, localization and interpretation of signaling. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling regulates transcription via the ERK kinase, phosphorylating components of the Mediator complex to regulate its association with TF-bound enhancers. Here we describe two distinct forms of TF association related to signaling response, stable DNA recognition and tethering to active sites of transcription. We find that the tethering of TFs at these active sites is both essential for signaling response and cell identity. To identify tethering substrates, we focused on signaling dependent associations with the transcriptional coregulator, the Mediator, and find the NuRD complex is engaged with the Mediator at active promoters and enhancers. Here, NuRD functions as a molecular scaffold recruiting pioneer TFs like SOX2 independently of DNA sequence, enhancing ERK dependent transcription while sequestering these factors away from context inappropriate binding sites elsewhere in the genome. Balancing the recognition of a restricted spectrum of canonical DNA sites by pioneer factors while retaining them at high concentrations in the vicinity of transcription supports robust transcriptional response, ensures plasticity in differentiation and explains why these factors bind a fraction of their naturally occurring sites in any given cell type.