Why did the emphasis of the Roman Empire shift to the east in the dominate period?

The eastern
part of the Roman Empire came to be the most important part of the empire during the period of
the Dominate largely because of two main factors.  One factor had to do with the problems being
suffered by the city of Rome and the second had to do with the benefits of having a capital at
Constantinople.

In the time before the Dominate, Rome and Italy were being
badly pressured by barbarian forces.  In addition, civil war was rife.  The period from 235 to
284 AD was one of almost-constant civil war.  These problems greatly weakened the city of Rome. 
It was left vulnerable to attacks by Germanic tribes.

At the same time,
Constantinople had a great deal to recommend it as a center for the Roman Empire. 
Constantinople was largely safe (at that time) from foreign invasion.  It was also located at a
major crossroads between Europe and Asia.  This made it a very important center of trade. 
Partly because of this, it was a fairly rich city.  For all of these reasons, the capital of the
Roman Empire was moved to Constantinople and that region became the focal point of the
Empire.