RBM25 Acts as a dual chromatin- and RNA-binding regulator in Human Embryonic Stem Cells1
RNA-binding proteins are increasingly recognized to have chromatin-associated functions beyond their canonical post-transcriptional roles. Here, we show that RBM25 exhibits dual RNA- and DNA-binding functions in human Embryonic Stem Cells. At the RNA level, RBM25 acts as a splicing factor, while, at the DNA level, it is required for the binding of the Transcription regulator CEBPZ to promoters of cell cycle–related genes. In contrast, RBM25 and CEBPZ bind to introns of silenced neuronal genes independently. Together, these findings identify a functional RBM25–CEBPZ interaction that supports stem cell identity and prevents premature neuronal differentiation.
