Disruption of the homeobox gene Hoxb-6 in mice results in increased numbers of early erythrocyte progenitors.
Hox genes encode transcription factors that are required for proper development of certain tissues and for patterning of the hindbrain, the limbs, and skeleton. They are also expressed in the hematopoietic system with a preference for specific cell lineages. To determine the role of Hoxb-6 in normal hematopoiesis, mice with a targeted disruption in the Hoxb-6 gene were generated. Mature hematopoietic cell types and immune responses are normal in homozygous Hoxb-6 mutants. Clonogenic progenitor cell assays demonstrate an increased number of early erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow and fetal liver of mutants, while differentiation of other cell lineages is unaffected. These results suggest that Hoxb-6 controls the generation, proliferation, or survival of erythroid progenitor cells.
Kappen
C
C
Samuel C. Johnson Medical Research Center, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. ckappen@unmc.edu
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D015672:Erythroid Precursor Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D009154:Mutation; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C490537:Hoxb6 protein, mouse; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes