esBAF facilitates pluripotency by conditioning the genome for LIF/STAT3 signalling and by regulating polycomb function

The STAT3 transcription factor maintains pluripotency by preventing differentiation. A Brg1-containing chromatin-remodelling complex, esBAF, is shown to direct STAT3 to its targets across the pluripotent genome. Deletion of Brg1 leads to binding of the polycomb complex and subsequent silencing of LIF/STAT targets. Unexpectedly, Brg1 also helps the polycomb complex silence Hox genes thereby further contributing to pluripotency.