Altered regulation of beta-like globin genes by a redesigned erythroid transcription factor.
OBJECTIVE
Targeted regulation of beta-like globin genes was studied using designer zinc finger transcription factors containing the DNA binding domain of the red cell specific transcription factor erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) fused to repression domains.


METHODS
Globin gene expression was analyzed after introduction of the modified transcription factors into cell lines, embryonic stem cells and transgenic mice.


RESULTS
As would be predicted, when introduced transiently into cells these transcription factors were effective in repressing the adult beta-globin promoter CACCC element, which is the natural target for EKLF. In murine erythroleukemia cells repression of the adult beta-globin gene was accompanied by a reactivation of the endogenous embryonic betaH1-globin gene. Studies in differentiated embryonic stem cells and transgenic mice confirmed the reactivation of embryonic gene expression during development.


CONCLUSIONS
Our studies support a competition model for beta-globin gene expression and underscore the importance of EKLF in the embryonic/fetal-to-adult globin switch. They also demonstrate the feasibility of designer zinc finger transcription factors in the study of transcriptional control mechanisms at the beta-globin locus and as potential gene therapy agents for sickle cell disease and related hemoglobinopathies.
Manwani
Deepa
D
Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. deepa.manwani@mssn.edu
Galdass
Mariann
M
Bieker
James J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D041905:Erythroid Cells; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics*; D005812:Genes, Switch; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics*; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D020218:Response Elements; D013234:Stem Cells; D014161:Transduction, Genetic; D016335:Zinc Fingers
D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D005914:Globins