Suppression of interneuron programs and maintenance of selected spinal motor neuron fates by the transcription factor AML1/Runx1

Individual spinal motor neuron identities are specified in large part by the intrinsic repertoire of transcription factors expressed by undifferentiated progenitors and maturing neurons. It is shown here that the transcription factor AML1/Runx1 (Runx1) is expressed in selected spinal motor neuron subtypes after the onset of differentiation and is both necessary and sufficient to suppress interneuron-specific developmental programs and promote maintenance of motor neuron characteristics. These findings show an important role for Runx1 during the consolidation of selected spinal motor neuron identities. Moreover, they suggest a requirement for a persistent suppression of interneuron genes within maturing motor neurons.