Article abstract


Nature Immunology 9, 810 - 819 (2008)
Published online: 25 May 2008 | doi:10.1038/ni.1617

The transcription factor Erg is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and the function of adult hematopoietic stem cells

Stephen J Loughran1,2,3, Elizabeth A Kruse1,3, Douglas F Hacking1,4, Carolyn A de Graaf1,3, Craig D Hyland2, Tracy A Willson1, Katya J Henley1, Sarah Ellis5, Anne K Voss1, Donald Metcalf2, Douglas J Hilton1,3,6, Warren S Alexander2,3,6 & Benjamin T Kile1,3,6


Ets-related gene (ERG), which encodes a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, is a potent oncogene. Chromosomal rearrangements involving ERG are found in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma and more than half of all prostate cancers; however, the normal physiological function of Erg is unknown. We did a sensitized genetic screen of the mouse for regulators of hematopoietic stem cell function and report here a germline mutation of Erg. We show that Erg is required for definitive hematopoiesis, adult hematopoietic stem cell function and the maintenance of normal peripheral blood platelet numbers.

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  1. Division of Molecular Medicine, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
  2. Division of Cancer and Hematology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
  3. Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
  4. Neonatal Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
  5. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St. Andrew's Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
  6. These authors contributed equally to this work.

Correspondence to: Benjamin T Kile1,3,6 e-mail: kile@wehi.edu.au




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