title: Transcription factor GATA-1 in megakaryocyte development.
abstract: The transcription factor GATA-1 is specifically expressed in hematopoietic lineages. Prior gene knockout experiments established an essential role for GATA-1 in red blood cell production, but could not provide direct evidence with respect to a requirement in megakaryopoiesis. We summarize here recent lineage-selective gene targeting in mice that establishes critical functions for GATA-1 in controlling megakaryocyte growth and maturation, and platelet production. GATA-1 megakaryocytes are delayed in their cellular maturation, exhibit marked hyperproliferation and generate fewer than normal, yet enlarged, platelets in vivo. Thus GATA-1 is a central regulator in both the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Orkin
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Shivdasani
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fujiwara
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McDevitt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D050981:Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors; D050982:GATA1 Transcription Factor; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D050981:Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors; D050982:GATA1 Transcription Factor; C494689:Gata1 protein, mouse; D014157:Transcription Factors