Early B cell factor: Regulator of B lineage specification and commitment.
B lymphocytes are generated from hematopoietic stem cells in a series of steps controlled by transcription factors. One of the most important regulators of this process is early B cell factor (EBF). Multiple lines of evidence indicate that expression of EBF is a principle determinant of the B cell fate. In the absence of EBF, progenitor cells fail to express classical markers of B cells, including immunoglobulins. EBF drives B cell differentiation by activating the Pax5 gene and other genes required for the pre-B and B cell receptors. New evidence suggests that expression of EBF in common lymphoid progenitors directs B cell fate decisions. Specification and commitment of cells to the B cell lineage are further established by Pax5, which increases expression of EBF. Recently, it was demonstrated that both EBF and Pax5 contribute to the commitment of cells to the B lineage. Together, these studies confirm that EBF is a keystone in the regulatory network that coordinates B cell lineage specification and commitment.
Lukin
Kara
K
Integrated Department of Immunology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, K516B, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Fields
Scott
S
Hartley
Jacqueline
J
Hagman
James
J
D000818:Animals; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051757:PAX5 Transcription Factor / Q000502:physiology; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000502:physiology*
D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; C081976:EBF1 protein, human; D051757:PAX5 Transcription Factor; C497281:PAX5 protein, human; D015534:Trans-Activators