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Targeted disruption of the PU.1 gene results in multiple hematopoietic abnormalities.
Author(s) -
McKercher S. R.,
Torbett B. E.,
Anderson K. L.,
Henkel G. W.,
Vestal D. J.,
Baribault H.,
Klemsz M.,
Feeney A. J.,
Wu G. E.,
Paige C. J.,
Maki R. A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1996.tb00949.x
Subject(s) - biology , haematopoiesis , myeloid , lineage (genetic) , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , stem cell , genetics
PU.1 is a member of the ets family of transcription factors and is expressed exclusively in cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Mice homozygous for a disruption in the PU.1 DNA binding domain are born alive but die of severe septicemia within 48 h. The analysis of these neonates revealed a lack of mature macrophages, neutrophils, B cells and T cells, although erythrocytes and megakaryocytes were present. The absence of lymphoid commitment and development in null mice was not absolute, since mice maintained on antibiotics began to develop normal appearing T cells 3–5 days after birth. In contrast, mature B cells remained undetectable in these older mice. Within the myeloid lineage, despite a lack of macrophages in the older antibiotic‐treated animals, a few cells with the characteristics of neutrophils began to appear by day 3. While the PU.1 protein appears not to be essential for myeloid and lymphoid lineage commitment, it is absolutely required for the normal differentiation of B cells and macrophages.