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Regulation of KLF2 in the Thymus
Author(s) -
Weinreich Michael Alexander,
Jameson Stephen C.,
Hogquist Kristin A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.2_supplement.346
Subject(s) - klf2 , thymocyte , receptor , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , regulator , transcription factor , t cell , immunology , immune system , gene , genetics
Our laboratory has identified the transcription factor Krüppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) as an important regulator of T cell migration. KLF2 deficient T cells mature normally but are retained in thymus. KLF2 controls the expression of receptors such as S1P 1 and CD62L in T cells. The regulation of KLF2 expression in thymocytes is unknown. KLF2 is expressed late in single positive (SP) thymocyte development. We hypothesize a post‐positive selection signal in semi‐mature SPs thymocytes induces KLF2. The IL‐7 receptor is down regulated in double positive (DP) thymocytes and expressed again after positive selection. Erk5 signaling has been implicated in KLF2 regulation in endothelial cells. We are testing the model that KLF2 expression depends on IL‐7/Erk5 post‐positive selection signaling. Comparing IL‐7 receptor deficient to wild type mice, we find no difference between the KLF2 mRNA expression in sorted thymocytes. In addition, treatment with an IL‐7 receptor blocking antibody does not affect thymic emigration. This data indicates that IL‐7 signaling is not necessary for KLF2 expression. CD4‐cre x Erk5 flox mice have been generated to test the effect of Erk5 deficiency in T cells.