Coregulation of Genetic Programs by the Transcription Factors NFIB and STAT5

The study investigated the role of transcription factors NFIB and STAT5 in regulating genetic programs in mammary cells during pregnancy. It was found that NFIB and STAT5 often bind to the same genomic sites, suggesting a functional synergy. While NFIB was not essential for alveolar expansion, its absence alongside STAT5 inhibited the formation of functional alveoli. NFIB was shown to regulate mammary-specific and STAT5-regulated genes, with evidence of NFIB-STAT5 modules in other cell types, such as hair follicle stem cells. These findings suggested that NFIB-STAT5 modules, potentially with other transcription factors, controlled cell-specific genetic programs.