Long-range genomic interactions epigenetically regulate the expression of a cytokine receptor.

Current research on the cytokine-mediated signalling towards the polarization and differentiation of a T-helper cell lineage lacks mechanistic insights on the transcriptional regulation of cytokine receptor genes. Here, we propose a new mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of the interferon gamma receptor 1 gene via long-range intrachromosomal interactions with the Ifnγ locus mediated by the protein CTCF. These interactions sustain the monoallelic expression of the differentially methylated IfnγR1 gene and are persistent on blockade of active transcription. Our findings suggest that regulatory elements for a cytokine gene locus can also positively regulate the transcription of its receptor.