The transcriptionally active form of AML1 is required for hematopoietic rescue of the AML1-deficient embryonic para-aortic splanchnopleural (P-Sp) region

Blood. 2004 Dec 1;104(12):3558-64. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-04-1535. Epub 2004 Jul 22.

Abstract

Acute myelogenous leukemia 1 (AML1; runt-related transcription factor 1 [Runx1]) is a member of Runx transcription factors and is essential for definitive hematopoiesis. Although AML1 possesses several subdomains of defined biochemical functions, the physiologic relevance of each subdomain to hematopoietic development has been poorly understood. Recently, the consequence of carboxy-terminal truncation in AML1 was analyzed by the hematopoietic rescue assay of AML1-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells using the gene knock-in approach. Nonetheless, a role for specific internal domains, as well as for mutations found in a human disease, of AML1 remains to be elucidated. In this study, we established an experimental system to efficiently evaluate the hematopoietic potential of AML1 using a coculture system of the murine embryonic para-aortic splanchnopleural (P-Sp) region with a stromal cell line, OP9. In this system, the hematopoietic defect of AML1-deficient P-Sp can be rescued by expressing AML1 with retroviral infection. By analysis of AML1 mutants, we demonstrated that the hematopoietic potential of AML1 was closely related to its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we showed that other Runx transcription factors, Runx2/AML3 or Runx3/AML2, could rescue the hematopoietic defect of AML1-deficient P-Sp. Thus, this experimental system will become a valuable tool to analyze the physiologic function and domain contribution of Runx proteins in hematopoiesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / deficiency
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / cytology*
  • Hematopoiesis*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / deficiency
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
  • Splanchnic Circulation
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Transcription Factors / deficiency
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Runx1 protein, mouse
  • Runx3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors