Control of cell identity and early neural fate commitment by the enhancer module of Integrator

Lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs) operate as master orchestrators of developmental processes by activating select cis-regulatory enhancers and proximal promoters. Direct DNA binding of TFs ultimately drives context-specific recruitment of the basal transcriptional machinery that comprises RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) and a host of polymerase-associated multiprotein complexes, including the metazoan-specific Integrator complex. Integrator is primarily known to modulate RNAPII processivity and to surveil RNA integrity across coding genes. Here we show an enhancer module of Integrator that directs cell fate specification by promoting epigenetic changes and TF binding at neural enhancers. Depletion of Integrator’s INTS10 upends neural traits and derails cells towards mesenchymal identity. Commissioning of neural enhancers relies on Integrator’s enhancer module, which stabilizes SOX2 binding at chromatin upon exit from pluripotency. We propose Integrator as a functional bridge between enhancers and promoters and a main driver of early development, providing new insight into a growing family of neurodevelopmental syndromes.