NF-κB and BRG1 bind a distal regulatory element in the IL-3/GM-CSF locus

► BRG1, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzyme, activates expression of the cytokines IL-3 and GM-CSF. ► BRG1 binds the target genes, and opens the chromatin at a distal element, suggesting the regulation is direct. ► NF-κB is required for activation of IL-3 and GM-CSF, BRG1 binding to a distal regulatory element, and chromatin opening at that element. ► BRG1 binds to distal regulatory sites as well as promoters. ► This work shows that chromatin remodeling plays a causal role in regulation of these genes, rather than a consequence of transcription.