Critical functions for c-Myb at three checkpoints during thymocyte development.
The transcription factor c-Myb is expressed throughout T cell development in the thymus. However, little is understood about c-Myb function because of the embryonic lethality of traditional Myb-null mutations. Using tissue-specific deletion to abrogate c-Myb expression at distinct stages of T cell development, we identify three points at which c-Myb activity is required for normal T cell differentiation: transition through the double-negative 3 stage, survival of preselection CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes, and differentiation of CD4 thymocytes. Thus, c-Myb is essential at several stages during T cell development in the thymus.
Bender
Timothy P
TP
The Department of Microbiology, PO Box 800734, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0734, USA. tpb3e@virginia.edu
Kremer
Christopher S
CS
Kraus
Manfred
M
Buch
Thorsten
T
Rajewsky
Klaus
K
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D017353:Gene Deletion; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D020598:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D020598:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb; D012333:RNA, Messenger