A novel, erythroid cell-specific murine transcription factor that binds to the CACCC element and is related to the Krüppel family of nuclear proteins

Krüpple-like factors in cardiomyopathy: emerging player and therapeutic opportunities

Cardiomyopathy, a heterogeneous pathological condition characterized by changes in cardiac structure or function, represents a significant risk factor for the prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research conducted over the years has led to the modification of definition and classification of cardiomyopathy. Herein, we reviewed seven of the most common types of cardiomyopathies, including Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), diabetic cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), desmin-associated cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (ICM), and obesity cardiomyopathy, focusing on their definitions, epidemiology, and influencing factors. Cardiomyopathies manifest in various ways ranging from microscopic alterations in cardiomyocytes, to tissue hypoperfusion, cardiac failure, and arrhythmias caused by electrical conduction abnormalities. As pleiotropic Transcription Factors (TFs), the Krüppel-Like Factors (KLFs), a family of zinc finger proteins, are involved in regulating the setting and development of cardiomyopathies, and play critical roles in associated biological processes, including Oxidative Stress (OS), inflammatory reactions, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and cellular autophagy and apoptosis, particularly in diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, research into KLFs in cardiomyopathy is still in its early stages, and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of some KLF members in various types of cardiomyopathies remain unclear. This article reviews the roles and recent research advances in KLFs, specifically those targeting and regulating several cardiomyopathy-associated processes.

Novel Promoter Mutation (HBB:C.-139_-138del) Associated with β-Thalassemia Trait Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing in Southern China

Here we report a novel β-globin gene mutation in the promoter (HBB:c.-139_-138delAC) detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The proband was a 28-year-old Chinese male, living in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, who originates from Hunan Province. The red cell indices were almost normal, with a slightly decreased Red Cell volume Distribution Width(RDW). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) showed the Hb A (93.1%) value was below normal, while the Hb A₂ (4.2%) and Hb F (2.7%) values were both beyond normal. A set of genetic tests of the α and β-globin genes were then performed to determine whether the subject carried any causative mutations. The results of NGS revealed a two-base pair deletion at position -89 to -88(HBB:c.-139_-138delAC）in the heterozygous state, which was subsequently confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Krüppel-Like Factor 1: A Pivotal Gene Regulator in Erythropoiesis

Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) plays a crucial role in erythropoiesis. In-depth studies conducted on mice and humans have highlighted its importance in erythroid lineage commitment, terminal erythropoiesis progression and the switching of globin genes from γ to β. The role of KLF1 in haemoglobin switching is exerted by the direct activation of β-globin gene and by the silencing of γ-globin through activation of BCL11A, an important γ-globin gene repressor. The link between KLF1 and γ-globin silencing identifies this transcription factor as a possible therapeutic target for β-hemoglobinopathies. Moreover, several mutations have been identified in the human genes that are responsible for various benign phenotypes and erythroid disorders. The study of the phenotype associated with each mutation has greatly contributed to the current understanding of the complex role of KLF1 in erythropoiesis. This review will focus on some of the principal functions of KLF1 on erythroid cell commitment and differentiation, spanning from primitive to definitive erythropoiesis. The fundamental role of KLF1 in haemoglobin switching will be also highlighted. Finally, an overview of the principal human mutations and relative phenotypes and disorders will be described.

Bioinformatics analysis of KLF2 as a potential prognostic factor in ccRCC and association with epithelial‑mesenchymal transition

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a primary pathological subtype of RCC and has poor clinical outcome. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), which are zinc-finger proteins, may be involved in ccRCC development and progression. KLFs belong to the zinc-finger family of DNA-binding transcription factors and regulate transcription of downstream target genes. KLFs are involved in cancer development. The present study aimed to investigate the role of KLFs in ccRCC prognosis. The Cancer Genome Atlas database and multifactorial analysis showed that KLFs were widely expressed in pan-cancers and KLF2 was an independent protective factor for ccRCC prognosis. Patients with low KLF2 expression had a low survival probability and expression of KLF2 was downregulated in patients with ccRCC with high pathological grade (II + III vs. I). In addition, western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that KLF2 was expressed at low levels in ccRCC cell lines and overexpression of KLF2 inhibited cell migration. In addition, KLF2 expression was negatively correlated with methylation. KLF2 expression was elevated following treatment of ccRCC cells with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. A prognostic risk index prediction model was constructed based on multiple Cox regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.780 (area under curve >0.5). Furthermore, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that ‘cell adhesion’ and ‘junction’ were negatively correlated with KLF2 and that high-risk group exhibited significantly activated ‘epithelial-mesenchymal transition’. Western blot analysis showed that overexpression of KLF2 increased expression of E-cadherin, while decreasing levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. The present study highlighted the role of KLFs in ccRCC prognosis prediction and provides a research base for the search of validated prognostic biological markers for ccRCC.

Intermittent Caloric Restriction Promotes Erythroid Development and Ameliorates Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemia in Mice

Background

Dietary restriction has a profound effect in altering immune system and promoting metabolic health and aging. However, how dietary restriction impacts erythroid system is largely unknown. We found that a short-term caloric restriction (CR) stimulates expression of KLF1, a master regulator of erythroid development, in the spleen of mouse, and thus explored the potential effect of CR on erythropoiesis.

Methods

We analyzed the effects of intermittent CR and continuous CR for different lengths of time on parameters of peripheral blood and erythroid profiles in the spleen and bone marrow in C57BL/6 mice. We next assessed how different types of CR affect phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in the mice. Colony formation assay was also used to analyze LK + progenitors and BFU-E in the bone marrow.

Results

Intermittent CR for 2 weeks raised the number of reticulocytes in the blood, while continuous CR for 2 weeks elevated red blood cells and hemoglobin level. Intermittent CR for 2 weeks promoted extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen, while continuous CR mainly promoted erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Interestingly, a short-term intermittent CR but not continuous CR was able to ameliorate phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Intermittent CR reduced early-stage erythroblasts and increased late-stage erythroblasts/mature RBCs in the spleen, indicating an accelerated transition from early-stage to late-stage erythroblasts/mature red blood cells. Furthermore, a short-term intermittent CR elevated LK + progenitors and the committed erythroid progenitor cells BFU-E in the bone marrow.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that a short-term intermittent CR, but not continuous CR, has a significant effect to promote hematopoiesis and such activity can ameliorate phenylhydrazine-induced acute anemia in the mouse.

Targeting Genetic Modifiers of HBG Gene Expression in Sickle Cell Disease: The miRNA Option

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy disorders that affects millions of people worldwide. Reactivation of HBG (HBG1, HBG2) gene expression and induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is an important therapeutic strategy for ameliorating the clinical symptoms and severity of SCD. Hydroxyurea is the only US FDA-approved drug with proven efficacy to induce HbF in SCD patients, yet serious complications have been associated with its use. Over the last three decades, numerous additional pharmacological agents that reactivate HBG transcription in vitro have been investigated, but few have proceeded to FDA approval, with the exception of arginine butyrate and decitabine; however, neither drug met the requirements for routine clinical use due to difficulties with oral delivery and inability to achieve therapeutic levels. Thus, novel approaches that produce sufficient efficacy, specificity, and sustainable HbF induction with low adverse effects are desirable. More recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential to treat various diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease via targeting oncogenes and their gene products. Thus, it is plausible that miRNAs that target HBG regulatory genes may be useful for inducing HbF as a treatment for SCD. Our laboratory and others have documented the association of miRNAs with HBG activation or suppression via silencing transcriptional repressors and activators, respectively, of HBG expression. Herein, we review progress made in understanding molecular mechanisms of miRNA-mediated HBG regulation and discuss the extent to which molecular targets of HBG might be suitable prospects for development of SCD clinical therapy. Lastly, we discuss challenges with the application of miRNA delivery in vivo and provide potential strategies for overcoming barriers in the future.

WDR82-binding long noncoding RNA lncEry controls mouse erythroid differentiation and maturation

Hematopoietic differentiation is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic regulators. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be important for normal hematopoiesis, but their function in erythropoiesis needs to be further explored. We profiled the transcriptomes of 16 murine hematopoietic cell populations by deep RNA sequencing and identified a novel lncRNA, Gm15915, that was highly expressed in erythroid-related progenitors and erythrocytes. For this reason, we named it lncEry. We also identified a novel lncEry isoform, which was the principal transcript that has not been reported before. lncEry depletion impaired erythropoiesis, indicating the important role of the lncRNA in regulating erythroid differentiation and maturation. Mechanistically, we found that lncEry interacted with WD repeat–containing protein 82 (WDR82) to promote the transcription of Klf1 and globin genes and thus control the early and late stages of erythropoiesis, respectively. These findings identified lncEry as an important player in the transcriptional regulation of erythropoiesis.

Expression and Prognosis Value of the KLF Family Members in Colorectal Cancer

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are some kind of transcriptional regulator that regulates a broad range of cellular functions and has been linked to the development of certain malignancies. KLF expression patterns and prognostic values in colorectal cancer (CRC) have, however, been investigated rarely. To investigate the differential expression, predictive value, and gene mutations of KLFs in CRC patients, we used various online analytic tools, including ONCOMINE, TCGA, cBioPortal, and the TIMER database. KLF2-6, KLF8-10, KLF12-15, and KLF17 mRNA expression levels were dramatically downregulated in CRC tissues, but KLF1, KLF7, and KLF16 mRNA expression levels were significantly elevated in CRC tissues. According to the findings of Cox regression analysis, upregulation of KLF3, KLF5, and KLF6 and downregulation of KLF15 were linked with a better prognosis in CRC. For functional enrichment, our findings revealed that KLF members are involved in a variety of cancer-related biological processes. In colon cancer and rectal cancer, KLFs were also shown to be associated with a variety of immune cells. The findings of this research reveal that KLF family members' mRNA expression levels are possible prognostic indicators for patients with CRC.

Identification of novel HPFH-like mutations by CRISPR base editing that elevate the expression of fetal hemoglobin

Naturally occurring point mutations in the HBG promoter switch hemoglobin synthesis from defective adult beta-globin to fetal gamma-globin in sickle cell patients with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and ameliorate the clinical severity. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, we tiled the highly homologous HBG proximal promoters using adenine and cytosine base editors that avoid the generation of large deletions and identified novel regulatory regions including a cluster at the –123 region. Base editing at –123 and –124 bp of HBG promoter induced fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to a higher level than disruption of well-known BCL11A binding site in erythroblasts derived from human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We further demonstrated in vitro that the introduction of –123T > C and –124T > C HPFH-like mutations drives gamma-globin expression by creating a de novo binding site for KLF1. Overall, our findings shed light on so far unknown regulatory elements within the HBG promoter and identified additional targets for therapeutic upregulation of fetal hemoglobin.

Epigenomic analysis of KLF1 haploinsufficiency in primary human erythroblasts

Haploinsufficiency for the erythroid-specific transcription factor KLF1 is associated with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). Increased HbF ameliorates the symptoms of β-hemoglobinopathies and downregulation of KLF1 activity has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy. However, the feasibility of this approach has been challenged by the observation that KLF1 haploinsufficient individuals with the same KLF1 variant, within the same family, display a wide range of HbF levels. This phenotypic variability is not readily explained by co-inheritance of known HbF-modulating variants in the HBB, HBS1L-MYB and/or BCL11A loci. We studied cultured erythroid progenitors obtained from Maltese individuals in which KLF1 p.K288X carriers display HbF levels ranging between 1.3 and 12.3% of total Hb. Using a combination of gene expression analysis, chromatin accessibility assays and promoter activity tests we find that variation in expression of the wildtype KLF1 allele may explain a significant part of the variability in HbF levels observed in KLF1 haploinsufficiency. Our results have general bearing on the variable penetrance of haploinsufficiency phenotypes and on conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity of variants in other transcriptional regulators such as EP300, GATA2 and RUNX1.

A Positive Regulatory Feedback Loop between EKLF/KLF1 and TAL1/SCL Sustaining the Erythropoiesis

The erythroid Krüppel-like factor EKLF/KLF1 is a hematopoietic transcription factor binding to the CACCC DNA motif and participating in the regulation of erythroid differentiation. With combined use of microarray-based gene expression profiling and the promoter-based ChIP-chip assay of E14.5 fetal liver cells from wild type (WT) and EKLF-knockout (Eklf^−/−) mouse embryos, we identified the pathways and direct target genes activated or repressed by EKLF. This genome-wide study together with the molecular/cellular analysis of the mouse erythroleukemic cells (MEL) indicate that among the downstream direct target genes of EKLF is Tal1/Scl. Tal1/Scl encodes another DNA-binding hematopoietic transcription factor TAL1/SCL, known to be an Eklf activator and essential for definitive erythroid differentiation. Further identification of the authentic Tal gene promoter in combination with the in vivo genomic footprinting approach and DNA reporter assay demonstrate that EKLF activates the Tal gene through binding to a specific CACCC motif located in its promoter. These data establish the existence of a previously unknow positive regulatory feedback loop between two DNA-binding hematopoietic transcription factors, which sustains mammalian erythropoiesis.

Compound Heterozygosity for KLF1 Mutations Causing Hemolytic Anemia in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Anemia is one of the most common diseases affecting children worldwide. Hereditary forms of anemia due to gene mutations are difficult to diagnose because they only rely on clinical manifestations. In regions with high prevalence of thalassemia such as southern China, pediatric patients with a hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) phenotype are often diagnosed with β-thalassemia. However, HHA can be caused by other gene defects. Here, a case previously diagnosed with thalassemia in a local hospital was sent to our laboratory for further genetic diagnosis. Preliminary molecular testing did not identify any mutations in globin genes.

Methods

All blood samples were collected after informed consent had been obtain from the proband’s parents. Both clinical and genetic analyses were conducted for the patient and her family members, including clinical data collection and sequencing of the KLF1 gene. Relevant literature was reviewed, including genetically confirmed cases with well-documented clinical summaries.

Results

Based on the detailed clinical data for this case, we diagnosed the patient with severe HHA. Sanger sequencing confirmed that there was a mutation on each KLF1 allele in the proband, which is missense mutation c.892G > C (p.Ala298Pro) inherited from father and frameshift mutation c.525_526insCGGCGCC (p.Gly176Argfs^∗179) from the mother, respectively. A summary of the KLF1 mutation spectrum and a clarification of genotype–phenotype correlation were performed through a combined analysis of the case and literature studies.

Conclusion

This study corrected the misdiagnosis and identified the etiology in a Chinese patient with HHA. Identification of the disease-causing gene is important for the treatment and care of the patient and prevention of another affected childbirth in her family. In addition, this study provided insight to better distinguish HHA patients with β-thalassemia mutations from those with KLF1 mutations.

Physiological and Aberrant γ-Globin Transcription During Development

The expression of the fetal Gγ- and Aγ-globin genes in normal development is confined to the fetal period, where two γ-globin chains assemble with two α-globin chains to form α₂γ₂ tetramers (HbF). HbF sustains oxygen delivery to tissues until birth, when β-globin replaces γ-globin, leading to the formation of α₂β₂ tetramers (HbA). However, in different benign and pathological conditions, HbF is expressed in adult cells, as it happens in the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, in anemias and in some leukemias. The molecular basis of γ-globin differential expression in the fetus and of its inappropriate activation in adult cells is largely unknown, although in recent years, a few transcription factors involved in this process have been identified. The recent discovery that fetal cells can persist to adulthood and contribute to disease raises the possibility that postnatal γ-globin expression could, in some cases, represent the signature of the fetal cellular origin.

EKLF/KLF1 expression defines a unique macrophage subset during mouse erythropoiesis

Erythroblastic islands are a specialized niche that contain a central macrophage surrounded by erythroid cells at various stages of maturation. However, identifying the precise genetic and transcriptional control mechanisms in the island macrophage remains difficult due to macrophage heterogeneity. Using unbiased global sequencing and directed genetic approaches focused on early mammalian development, we find that fetal liver macrophages exhibit a unique expression signature that differentiates them from erythroid and adult macrophage cells. The importance of erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF)/KLF1 in this identity is shown by expression analyses in EKLF-/- and in EKLF-marked macrophage cells. Single-cell sequence analysis simplifies heterogeneity and identifies clusters of genes important for EKLF-dependent macrophage function and novel cell surface biomarkers. Remarkably, this singular set of macrophage island cells appears transiently during embryogenesis. Together, these studies provide a detailed perspective on the importance of EKLF in the establishment of the dynamic gene expression network within erythroblastic islands in the developing embryo and provide the means for their efficient isolation.

Hemoglobin switching in mice carrying the Klf1Nan variant

Haploinsufficiency for transcription factor KLF1 causes a variety of human erythroid phenotypes, such as the In(Lu) blood type, increased HbA2 levels, and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Severe dominant congenital dyserythropoietic anemia IV (OMIM 613673) is associated with the KLF1 p.E325K variant. CDA-IV patients display ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis resulting in anemia, accompanied by persistent high levels of embryonic and fetal hemoglobin. The mouse Nan strain carries a variant in the orthologous residue, KLF1 p.E339D. Klf1Nan causes dominant hemolytic anemia with many similarities to CDA-IV. Here we investigated the impact of Klf1Nan on the developmental expression patterns of the endogenous beta-like and alpha-like globins, and the human beta-like globins carried on a HBB locus transgene. We observe that the switch from primitive, yolk sac-derived, erythropoiesis to definitive, fetal liver-derived, erythropoiesis is delayed in Klf1wt/Nan embryos. This is reflected in globin expression patterns measured between E12.5 and E14.5. Cultured Klf1wt/Nan E12.5 fetal liver cells display growth- and differentiation defects. These defects likely contribute to the delayed appearance of definitive erythrocytes in the circulation of Klf1wt/Nan embryos. After E14.5, expression of the embryonic/fetal globin genes is silenced rapidly. In adult Klf1wt/Nan animals, silencing of the embryonic/fetal globin genes is impeded, but only minute amounts are expressed. Thus, in contrast to human KLF1 p.E325K, mouse KLF1 p.E339D does not lead to persistent high levels of embryonic/fetal globins. Our results support the notion that KLF1 affects gene expression in a variant-specific manner, highlighting the necessity to characterize KLF1 variant-specific phenotypes of patients in detail.

Erythropoietin Regulates Transcription and YY1 Dynamics in a Pre-established Chromatin Architecture

The three-dimensional architecture of the genome plays an essential role in establishing and maintaining cell identity. However, the magnitude and temporal kinetics of changes in chromatin structure that arise during cell differentiation remain poorly understood. Here, we leverage a murine model of erythropoiesis to study the relationship between chromatin conformation, the epigenome, and transcription in erythroid cells. We discover that acute transcriptional responses induced by erythropoietin (EPO), the hormone necessary for erythroid differentiation, occur within an invariant chromatin topology. Within this pre-established landscape, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) occupancy dynamically redistributes to sites in proximity of EPO-regulated genes. Using HiChIP, we identify chromatin contacts mediated by H3K27ac and YY1 that are enriched for enhancer-promoter interactions of EPO-responsive genes. Taken together, these data are consistent with an emerging model that rapid, signal-dependent transcription occurs in the context of a pre-established chromatin architecture.

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EPO induces rapid RNA Pol II response at a key subset of genes

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YY1 is redistributed in the genome following 1 h EPO stimulation

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CTCF and YY1 bind different locations pre and post 1 h EPO stimulation

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E-P loops mediated by H3K27ac are largely invariant in response to EPO

Advances in genome editing: the technology of choice for precise and efficient β-thalassemia treatment

Beta (β)-thalassemia is one of the most significant hemoglobinopathy worldwide. The high prevalence of the β-thalassemia carriers aggravates the disease burden for patients and national economies in the developing world. The survival of β-thalassemia patients solely relies on repeated transfusions, which eventually results into multi-organ damage. The fetal γ-globin genes are ordinarily silenced at birth and replaced by the adult β-globin genes. However, mutations that cause lifelong persistence of fetal γ-globin, ameliorate the debilitating effects of β-globin mutations. Therefore, therapeutically reactivating the fetal γ-globin gene is a prime focus of researchers. CRISPR/Cas9 is the most common approach to correct disease causative mutations or to enhance or disrupt the expression of proteins to mitigate the effects of the disease. CRISPR/cas9 and prime gene editing to correct mutations in hematopoietic stem cells of β-thalassemia patients has been considered a novel therapeutic approach for effective hemoglobin production. However, genome-editing technologies, along with all advantages, have shown some disadvantages due to either random insertions or deletions at the target site of edition or non-specific targeting in genome. Therefore, the focus of this review is to compare pros and cons of these editing technologies and to elaborate the retrospective scope of gene therapy for β-thalassemia patients.

KLF1/EKLF expression in acute leukemia is correlated with chromosomal abnormalities

KLF1 (EKLF) is a master regulator of erythropoiesis and controls expression of a wide array of target genes. We interrogated human tissue microarray samples via immunohistological analysis to address whether levels of KLF1 protein are associated with leukemia. We have made the unexpected findings that higher KLF1 levels are correlated with cells containing abnormal chromosomes, and that high KLF1 expression is not limited to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with erythroid/megakaryoblastic differentiation. Expression of KLF1 is associated with poor survival. Further analyses reveal that KLF1 directly regulates a number of genes that play a role in chromosomal integrity. Together these results suggest that monitoring KLF1 levels may provide a new marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with AML.

A Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) Mutation Associated with Severe Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Alters Its DNA-Binding Specificity

Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1/EKLF) is a transcription factor that globally activates genes involved in erythroid cell development. Various mutations are identified in the human KLF1 gene. The E325K mutation causes congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) type IV, characterized by severe anemia and non-erythroid-cell-related symptoms. The CDA mutation is in the second zinc finger of KLF1 at a position functionally involved in its interactions with DNA. The molecular parameters of how CDA-KLF1 exerts its biological effects have not been addressed. Here, using an in vitro selection strategy, we determined the preferred DNA-binding site for CDA-KLF1. Binding to the deduced consensus sequence is supported by in vitro gel shifts and by in vivo functional reporter gene studies. Two significant changes compared to wild-type (WT) binding are observed: G is selected as the middle nucleotide, and the 3' portion of the consensus sequence is more degenerate. As a consequence, CDA-KLF1 did not bind the WT consensus sequence. However, activation of ectopic sites is promoted. Continuous activation of WT target genes occurs if they fortuitously contain the novel CDA site nearby. Our findings provide a molecular understanding of how a single mutation in the KLF1 zinc finger exerts effects on erythroid physiology in CDA type IV.

A novel mutation in the erythroid transcription factor KLF1 is likely responsible for ameliorating β-thalassemia major

We describe the identification of a novel missense mutation in the second zinc finger of KLF1 in two siblings who, based on their genotype, are predicted to suffer from beta thalassemia major but are, in fact, transfusion‐free and in good health. These individuals, as well as two additional members of the same family also carrying this KLF1 mutation, exhibit high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). KLF1 is an erythroid transcription factor, which plays a critical role in the regulation of the developmental switch between fetal and adult hemoglobin by regulating the expression of a multitude of genes including that of BCL11A. The mutation appears to be the main candidate responsible for the beta thalassemia‐ameliorating effect as this segregates with the observed phenotype and also exogenous expression of the KLF1 mutant protein in human erythroid progenitor cells resulted in the induction of γ‐globin, without, however, affecting BCL11A levels. This report adds to the weight of evidence that heterozygous KLF1 mutations can ameliorate the severity of the β‐thalassemia major phenotype.

Corrupted DNA-binding specificity and ectopic transcription underpin dominant neomorphic mutations in KLF/SP transcription factors

Background

Mutations in the transcription factor, KLF1, are common within certain populations of the world. Heterozygous missense mutations in KLF1 mostly lead to benign phenotypes, but a heterozygous mutation in a DNA-binding residue (E325K in human) results in severe Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia type IV (CDA IV); i.e. an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by neonatal hemolysis.

Results

To investigate the biochemical and genetic mechanism of CDA IV, we generated murine erythroid cell lines that harbor tamoxifen-inducible (ER™) versions of wild type and mutant KLF1 on a Klf1^−/− genetic background. Nuclear translocation of wild type KLF1 results in terminal erythroid differentiation, whereas mutant KLF1 results in hemolysis without differentiation. The E to K variant binds poorly to the canonical 9 bp recognition motif (NGG-GYG-KGG) genome-wide but binds at high affinity to a corrupted motif (NGG-GRG-KGG). We confirmed altered DNA-binding specificity by quantitative in vitro binding assays of recombinant zinc-finger domains. Our results are consistent with previously reported structural data of KLF-DNA interactions. We employed 4sU-RNA-seq to show that a corrupted transcriptome is a direct consequence of aberrant DNA binding.

Conclusions

Since all KLF/SP family proteins bind DNA in an identical fashion, these results are likely to be generally applicable to mutations in all family members. Importantly, they explain how certain mutations in the DNA-binding domain of transcription factors can generate neomorphic functions that result in autosomal dominant disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5805-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Genetic disarray follows mutant KLF1-E325K expression in a congenital dyserythropoietic anemia patient

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type IV is caused by a heterozygous mutation, Glu325Lys (E325K), in the KLF1 transcription factor. Molecular characteristics of this disease have not been clarified, partly due to its rarity. We expanded erythroid cells from a patient's peripheral blood and analyzed its global expression pattern. We find that a large number of erythroid pathways are disrupted, particularly those related to membrane transport, globin regulation, and iron utilization. The altered genetics lead to significant deficits in differentiation. Glu325 is within the KLF1 zinc finger domain at an amino acid critical for site specific DNA binding. The change to Lys is predicted to significantly alter the target site recognition sequence, both by subverting normal recognition and by enabling interaction with novel sites. Consistent with this, we find high level ectopic expression of genes not normally present in the red cell. These altered properties explain patients' clinical and phenotypic features, and elucidate the dominant character of the mutation.

MiR-326/Sp1/KLF3: A novel regulatory axis in lung cancer progression

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the function and regulatory mechanism of Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) in lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

KLF3 expression was analysed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. The proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 and EdU, wound-healing and Transwell, and flow cytometry assays. The tumour growth was detected by nude mouse tumorigenesis assay. In addition, the interaction between KLF3 and Sp1 was accessed by luciferase reporter, EMSA and ChIP assay. JAK2, STAT3, PI3K and p-AKT levels were evaluated by Western blot and IHC assays.

RESULTS

The results indicated that KLF3 expression was elevated in lung cancer tissues. Knockdown of KLF3 inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, the downregulation of KLF3 suppressed tumour growth in vivo. KLF3 was transcriptionally activated by Sp1. miR-326 could bind to 3'UTR of Sp1 but not KLF3 and decreased the accumulation of Sp1, which further indirectly reduced KLF3 expression and inactivated JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that miR-326/Sp1/KLF3 regulatory axis is involved in the development of lung cancer, which hints the potential target for the further therapeutic strategy against lung cancer.

The Pleiotropic Effects of GATA1 and KLF1 in Physiological Erythropoiesis and in Dyserythropoietic Disorders

In the last few years, the advent of new technological approaches has led to a better knowledge of the ontogeny of erythropoiesis during development and of the journey leading from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to mature red blood cells (RBCs). Our view of a well-defined hierarchical model of hematopoiesis with a near-homogeneous HSC population residing at the apex has been progressively challenged in favor of a landscape where HSCs themselves are highly heterogeneous and lineages separate earlier than previously thought. The coordination of these events is orchestrated by transcription factors (TFs) that work in a combinatorial manner to activate and/or repress their target genes. The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) has facilitated the identification of pathological mutations involving TFs underlying hematological defects. The examples of GATA1 and KLF1 presented in this review suggest that in the next few years the number of TF mutations associated with dyserythropoietic disorders will further increase.

Krϋppel-like factors (KLFs) in renal physiology and disease

Dysregulated Krϋppel-like factor (KLF) gene expression appears in many disease-associated pathologies. In this review, we discuss physiological functions of KLFs in the kidney with a focus on potential pharmacological modulation/therapeutic applications of these KLF proteins. KLF2 is critical to maintaining endothelial barrier integrity and preventing gap formations and in prevention of glomerular endothelial cell and podocyte damage in diabetic mice. KLF4 is renoprotective in the setting of AKI and is a critical regulator of proteinuria in mice and humans. KLF6 expression in podocytes preserves mitochondrial function and prevents podocyte apoptosis, while KLF5 expression prevents podocyte apoptosis by blockade of ERK/p38 MAPK pathways. KLF15 is a critical regulator of podocyte differentiation and is protective against podocyte injury. Loss of KLF4 and KLF15 promotes renal fibrosis, while fibrotic kidneys have increased KLF5 and KLF6 expression. For therapeutic modulation of KLFs, continued screening of small molecules will promote drug discoveries targeting KLF proteins.

Mutant KLF1 in Adult Anemic Nan Mice Leads to Profound Transcriptome Changes and Disordered Erythropoiesis

Anemic Nan mice carry a mutation (E339D) in the second zinc finger of erythroid transcription factor KLF1. Nan-KLF1 fails to bind a subset of normal KLF1 targets and ectopically binds a large set of genes not normally engaged by KLF1, resulting in a corrupted fetal liver transcriptome. Here, we performed RNAseq using flow cytometric-sorted spleen erythroid precursors from adult Nan and WT littermates rendered anemic by phlebotomy to identify global transcriptome changes specific to the Nan Klf1 mutation as opposed to anemia generally. Mutant Nan-KLF1 leads to extensive and progressive transcriptome corruption in adult spleen erythroid precursors such that stress erythropoiesis is severely compromised. Terminal erythroid differentiation is defective in the bone marrow as well. Principle component analysis reveals two major patterns of differential gene expression predicting that defects in basic cellular processes including translation, cell cycle, and DNA repair could contribute to disordered erythropoiesis and anemia in Nan. Significant erythroid precursor stage specific changes were identified in some of these processes in Nan. Remarkably, however, despite expression changes in large numbers of associated genes, most basic cellular processes were intact in Nan indicating that developing red cells display significant physiological resiliency and establish new homeostatic set points in vivo.

GATA/Heme Multi-omics Reveals a Trace Metal-Dependent Cellular Differentiation Mechanism

By functioning as an enzyme cofactor, hemoglobin component, and gene regulator, heme is vital for life. One mode of heme-regulated transcription involves amplifying the activity of GATA-1, a key determinant of erythrocyte differentiation. To discover biological consequences of the metal cofactor-transcription factor mechanism, we merged GATA-1/heme-regulated sectors of the proteome and transcriptome. This multi-omic analysis revealed a GATA-1/heme circuit involving hemoglobin subunits, ubiquitination components, and proteins not implicated in erythrocyte biology, including the zinc exporter Slc30a1. Though GATA-1 induced expression of Slc30a1 and the zinc importer Slc39a8, Slc39a8 dominantly increased intracellular zinc, which conferred erythroblast survival. Subsequently, a zinc transporter switch, involving decreased importer and sustained exporter expression, reduced intracellular zinc during terminal differentiation. Downregulating Slc30a1 increased intracellular zinc and, strikingly, accelerated differentiation. This analysis established a conserved paradigm in which a GATA-1/heme circuit controls trace metal transport machinery and trace metal levels as a mechanism governing cellular differentiation.

Krüppel-like factors and vascular wall homeostasis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major causes of death worldwide. Identification of promising targets for prevention and treatment of CVDs is paramount in the cardiovascular field. Numerous transcription factors regulate cellular function through modulation of specific genes and thereby are involved in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of CVDs. Although Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) have a similar protein structure with a conserved zinc finger domain, they possess distinct tissue and cell distribution patterns as well as biological functions. In the vascular system, KLF activities are regulated at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Growing in vitro, in vivo, and genetic epidemiology studies suggest that specific KLFs play important roles in vascular wall biology, which further affect vascular diseases. KLFs regulate various functional aspects such as cell growth, differentiation, activation, and development through controlling a whole cluster of functionally related genes and modulating various signaling pathways in response to pathological conditions. Therapeutic targeting of selective KLF family members may be desirable to achieve distinct treatment effects in the context of various vascular diseases. Further elucidation of the association of KLFs with human CVDs, their underlying molecular mechanisms, and precise protein structure studies will be essential to define KLFs as promising targets for therapeutic interventions in CVDs.

KLF10 as a Tumor Suppressor Gene and Its TGF-β Signaling

Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), originally named TGF-β (Transforming growth factor beta) inducible early gene 1 (TIEG1), is a DNA-binding transcriptional regulator containing a triple C2H2 zinc finger domain. By binding to Sp1 (specificity protein 1) sites on the DNA and interactions with other regulatory transcription factors, KLF10 encourages and suppresses the expression of multiple genes in many cell types. Many studies have investigated its signaling cascade, but other than the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, these are still not clear. KLF10 plays a role in proliferation, differentiation as well as apoptosis, just like other members of the SP (specificity proteins)/KLF (Krüppel-like Factors). Recently, several studies reported that KLF10 KO (Knock out) is associated with defects in cell and organs such as osteopenia, abnormal tendon or cardiac hypertrophy. Since KLF10 was first discovered, several studies have defined its role in cancer as a tumor suppressor. KLF10 demonstrate anti-proliferative effects and induce apoptosis in various carcinoma cells including pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and osteoporosis. Collectively, these data indicate that KLF10 plays a significant role in various biological processes and diseases, but its role in cancer is still unclear. Therefore, this review was conducted to describe and discuss the role and function of KLF10 in diseases, including cancer, with a special emphasis on its signaling with TGF-β.

Egr2-independent, Klf1-mediated induction of PD-L1 in CD4+ T cells

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-mediated induction of immune tolerance has been vigorously investigated in autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity. However, details of the mechanism by which PD-L1 is induced in CD4+ T cells are unknown. Here, we revealed the potential function of Klf1 and Egr2-mediated induction of PD-L1 in CD4+ T cells. We focused on the molecules specifically expressed in CD4+CD25-LAG3+ regulatory T cells (LAG3+ Tregs) highly express of PD-L1 and transcription factor Egr2. Although ectopic expression of Egr2 induced PD-L1, a deficiency of Egr2 did not affect its expression, indicating the involvement of another PD-L1 induction mechanism. Comprehensive gene expression analysis of LAG3+ Tregs and in silico binding predictions revealed that Krüppel-like factor 1 (Klf1) is a candidate inducer of the PD-L1 gene (Cd274). Klf1 is a transcription factor that promotes β-globin synthesis in erythroid progenitors, and its role in immunological homeostasis is unknown. Ectopic expression of Klf1 induced PD-L1 in CD4+ T cells through activation of the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway, independent of STATs signaling and Egr2 expression. Our findings indicate that Klf1 and Egr2 are modulators of PD-L1-mediated immune suppression in CD4+ T cells and might provide new insights into therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and malignancies.

Evolution of hemoglobin loci and their regulatory elements

Across the expanse of vertebrate evolution, each species produces multiple forms of hemoglobin in erythroid cells at appropriate times and in the proper amounts. The multiple hemoglobins are encoded in two globin gene clusters in almost all species. One globin gene cluster, linked to the gene NPRL3, is preserved in all vertebrates, including a gene cluster encoding the highly divergent globins from jawless vertebrates. This preservation of synteny may reflect the presence of a powerful enhancer of globin gene expression in the NPRL3 gene. Despite substantial divergence in noncoding DNA sequences among mammals, several epigenetic features of the globin gene regulatory regions are preserved across vertebrates. The preserved features include multiple DNase hypersensitive sites, at least one of which is an enhancer, and binding by key lineage-restricted transcription factors such as GATA1 and TAL1, which in turn recruit coactivators such as P300 that catalyze acetylation of histones. The maps of epigenetic features are strongly correlated with activity in gene regulation, and resources for accessing and visualizing such maps are readily available to the community of researchers and students.

Survey and evaluation of mutations in the human KLF1 transcription unit

Erythroid Krüppel-like Factor (EKLF/KLF1) is an erythroid-enriched transcription factor that plays a global role in all aspects of erythropoiesis, including cell cycle control and differentiation. We queried whether its mutation might play a role in red cell malignancies by genomic sequencing of the KLF1 transcription unit in cell lines, erythroid neoplasms, dysplastic disorders, and leukemia. In addition, we queried published databases from a number of varied sources. In all cases we only found changes in commonly notated SNPs. Our results suggest that if there are mutations in KLF1 associated with erythroid malignancies, they are exceedingly rare.

Krüppel-like factors: Crippling and un-crippling metabolic pathways

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are DNA-binding transcriptional factors that regulate various pathways that control metabolism and other cellular mechanisms. Various KLF isoforms have been associated with cellular, organ or systemic metabolism. Altered expression or activation of KLFs has been linked to metabolic abnormalities, such as obesity and diabetes, as well as with heart failure. In this review article we summarize the metabolic functions of KLFs, as well as the networks of different KLF isoforms that jointly regulate metabolism in health and disease.

KLF2 in Regulation of NF-κB-Mediated Immune Cell Function and Inflammation

KLF2 (Kruppel-like factor 2) is a member of the zinc finger transcription factor family, which critically regulates embryonic lung development, function of endothelial cells and maintenance of quiescence in T-cells and monocytes. It is expressed in naïve T-cells and monocytes, however its level of expression decreases during activation and differentiation. KLF2 also plays critical regulatory role in various inflammatory diseases and their pathogenesis. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is an important inducer of inflammation and the inflammation is mediated through the transcription of several proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. So, both transcriptional factors KLF2 and NF-κB are being associated with the similar cellular functions and their maintenance. It was shown that KLF2 regulates most of the NF-κB-mediated activities. In this review, we focused on emphasizing the involvement of KLF2 in health and disease states and how they interact with transcriptional master regulator NF-κB.

Orchestration of late events in erythropoiesis by KLF1/EKLF

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transcriptional regulators provide the molecular and biochemical basis for the cell specific properties and characteristics that follow from their central role in establishing tissue-restricted expression. Precise and sequential control of terminal cell divisions, nuclear condensation, and enucleation are defining characteristics within erythropoietic differentiation. This review is focused on KLF1, a central global regulator of this process.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies in the past year have brought a number of proteins that are targets of KLF1 regulation into focus with respect to their roles in terminal erythroid differentiation. Many of these are involved in fine control of the cell cycle at both early (E2F2, Cyclin A2) and later (p18, p27, p19) stages of differentiation, or are directly involved in enucleation (p18, p27). Dramatic biophysical changes controlled at the nuclear lamin by caspase 3 enable histone release and nuclear condensation, whereas dematin association with structural proteins alters the timing of enucleation. Conditional ablation of mDia2 has established its role in late stage cell cycle and enucleation.

SUMMARY

Transcription factors such as KLF1, along with epigenetic modifiers, play crucial roles in establishing the proper onset and progression of terminal differentiation events. Studies from the past year show a remarkable multifaceted convergence on cell cycle control, and establish that the orthochromatic erythroblast stage is a critical nodal point for many of the effects on enucleation. These studies are relevant to understanding the underlying causes of anemia and hematologic disease where defective enucleation predicts a poor clinical outcome.

Promiscuous DNA-binding of a mutant zinc finger protein corrupts the transcriptome and diminishes cell viability

The rules of engagement between zinc finger transcription factors and DNA have been partly defined by in vitro DNA-binding and structural studies, but less is known about how these rules apply in vivo. Here, we demonstrate how a missense mutation in the second zinc finger of Krüppel-like factor-1 (KLF1) leads to degenerate DNA-binding specificity in vivo, resulting in ectopic transcription and anemia in the Nan mouse model. We employed ChIP-seq and 4sU-RNA-seq to identify aberrant DNA-binding events genome wide and ectopic transcriptional consequences of this binding. We confirmed novel sequence specificity of the mutant recombinant zinc finger domain by performing biophysical measurements of in vitro DNA-binding affinity. Together, these results shed new light on the mechanisms by which missense mutations in DNA-binding domains of transcription factors can lead to autosomal dominant diseases.

Polymorphisms in sex steroid receptors: From gene sequence to behavior

Sex steroid receptors have received much interest as potential mediators of human behaviors and mental disorders. Candidate gene association studies have identified about 50 genetic variants of androgen and estrogen receptors that correlate with human behavioral phenotypes. Because most of these polymorphisms lie outside coding regions, discerning their effect on receptor function is not straightforward. Thus, although discoveries of associations improve our ability to predict risk, they have not greatly advanced our understanding of underlying mechanisms. This article is intended to serve as a starting point for psychologists and other behavioral biologists to consider potential mechanisms. Here, I review associations between polymorphisms in sex steroid receptors and human behavioral phenotypes. I then consider ways in which genetic variation can affect processes such as mRNA transcription, splicing, and stability. Finally, I suggest ways that hypotheses about mechanism can be tested, for example using in vitro assays and/or animal models.

Neomorphic effects of the neonatal anemia (Nan-Eklf) mutation contribute to deficits throughout development

Transcription factor control of cell-specific downstream targets can be significantly altered when the controlling factor is mutated. We show that the semi-dominant neonatal anemia (Nan) mutation in the EKLF/KLF1 transcription factor leads to ectopic expression of proteins that are not normally expressed in the red blood cell, leading to systemic effects that exacerbate the intrinsic anemia in the adult and alter correct development in the early embryo. Even when expressed as a heterozygote, the Nan-EKLF protein accomplishes this by direct binding and aberrant activation of genes encoding secreted factors that exert a negative effect on erythropoiesis and iron use. Our data form the basis for a novel mechanism of physiological deficiency that is relevant to human dyserythropoietic anemia and likely other disease states.

Epigenetic dysregulation of the erythropoietic transcription factor KLF1 and the β-like globin locus in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

Increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) are a hallmark of more than half of the children diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Elevated HbF levels in JMML are associated with DNA hypermethylation of distinct gene promoter regions in leukemic cells. Since the regulation of globin gene transcription is known to be under epigenetic control, we set out to study the relation of DNA methylation patterns at β-/γ-globin promoters, mRNA and protein expression of globins, and epigenetic modifications of genes encoding the globin-regulatory transcription factors BCL11A and KLF1 in nucleated erythropoietic precursor cells of patients with JMML. We describe several altered epigenetic components resulting in disordered globin synthesis in JMML. We identify a cis-regulatory upstream KLF1 enhancer sequence as highly sensitive to DNA methylation and frequently hypermethylated in JMML. The data indicate that the dysregulation of β-like globin genes is a genuine attribute of the leukemic cell clone in JMML and involves mechanisms not taking part in the normal fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch.

Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase induced by TNF-α in human fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc finger transcription factor, has been implicated in the inflammation mediated by macrophages and endothelial cells by regulating the expression of inflammatory mediators. Here, we investigated whether KLF4 affects the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an important inflammatory mediator, in the human RA fibroblast-like synovial cell line MH7A. A pcDNA3.1-KLF4 plasmid or short interfering RNA KLF4 was transfected into MH7A cells, and the iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) production were analyzed by quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and nitrite measurement. The iNOS promoter activity was determined by luciferase assay. The results showed overexpression of KLF4 increased iNOS expression and NO production in the presence or absence of TNF-α. Conversely, KLF4 knockdown markedly reduced iNOS expression and NO production induced by TNF-α. KLF4 activated the transcription activity of iNOS promoter in MH7A cells stimulated by TNF-α. This study indicates that KLF4 is important for regulating the expression of iNOS by TNF-α in human synoviocytes.

Molecular basis of β thalassemia and potential therapeutic targets

The remarkable phenotypic diversity of β thalassemia that range from severe anemia and transfusion-dependency, to a clinically asymptomatic state exemplifies how a spectrum of disease severity can be generated in single gene disorders. While the genetic basis for β thalassemia, and how severity of the anemia could be modified at different levels of its pathophysiology have been well documented, therapy remains largely supportive with bone marrow transplant being the only cure. Identification of the genetic variants modifying fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production in combination with α globin genotype provide some prediction of disease severity for β thalassemia but generation of a personalized genetic risk score to inform prognosis and guide management requires a larger panel of genetic modifiers yet to be discovered. Nonetheless, genetic studies have been successful in characterizing the key variants and pathways involved in HbF regulation, providing new therapeutic targets for HbF reactivation. BCL11A has been established as a quantitative repressor, and progress has been made in manipulating its expression using genomic and gene-editing approaches for therapeutic benefits. Recent discoveries and understanding in the mechanisms associated with ineffective and abnormal erythropoiesis have also provided additional therapeutic targets, a couple of which are currently being tested in clinical trials.

Krüppel-like factors compete for promoters and enhancers to fine-tune transcription

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a family of 17 transcription factors characterized by a conserved DNA-binding domain of three zinc fingers and a variable N-terminal domain responsible for recruiting cofactors. KLFs have diverse functions in stem cell biology, embryo patterning, and tissue homoeostasis. KLF1 and related family members function as transcriptional activators via recruitment of co-activators such as EP300, whereas KLF3 and related members act as transcriptional repressors via recruitment of C-terminal Binding Proteins. KLF1 directly activates the Klf3 gene via an erythroid-specific promoter. Herein, we show KLF1 and KLF3 bind common as well as unique sites within the erythroid cell genome by ChIP-seq. We show KLF3 can displace KLF1 from key erythroid gene promoters and enhancers in vivo. Using 4sU RNA labelling and RNA-seq, we show this competition results in reciprocal transcriptional outputs for >50 important genes. Furthermore, Klf3-/- mice displayed exaggerated recovery from anemic stress and persistent cell cycling consistent with a role for KLF3 in dampening KLF1-driven proliferation. We suggest this study provides a paradigm for how KLFs work in incoherent feed-forward loops or networks to fine-tune transcription and thereby control diverse biological processes such as cell proliferation.

Direct competition between DNA binding factors highlights the role of Krüppel-like Factor 1 in the erythroid/megakaryocyte switch

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors play critical roles in haematopoiesis. KLF1, the founding member of the family, has been implicated in the control of both erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. Here we describe a novel system using an artificial dominant negative isoform of KLF1 to investigate the role of KLF1 in the erythroid/megakaryocytic switch in vivo. We developed murine cell lines stably overexpressing a GST-KLF1 DNA binding domain fusion protein (GST-KLF1 DBD), as well as lines expressing GST only as a control. Interestingly, overexpression of GST-KLF1 DBD led to an overall reduction in erythroid features and an increase in megakaryocytic features indicative of a reduced function of endogenous KLF1. We simultaneously compared in vivo DNA occupancy of both endogenous KLF1 and GST-KLF1 DBD by ChIP qPCR. Here we found that GST-KLF1 DBD physically displaces endogenous KLF1 at a number of loci, providing novel in vivo evidence of direct competition between DNA binding proteins. These results highlight the role of KLF1 in the erythroid/megakaryocyte switch and suggest that direct competition between transcription factors with similar consensus sequences is an important mechanism in transcriptional regulation.

KLF1 directly activates expression of the novel fetal globin repressor ZBTB7A/LRF in erythroid cells

Genes encoding the human β-like hemoglobin proteins undergo a developmental switch from fetal γ-globin to adult β-globin expression around the time of birth. β-hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia, result from mutations affecting the adult β-globin gene. The only treatment options currently available carry significant adverse effects. Analyses of heritable variations in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels have provided evidence that reactivation of the silenced fetal γ-globin genes in adult erythroid cells is a promising therapy. The γ-globin repressor BCL11A has become the major focus, with several studies investigating its regulation and function as a first step to inhibiting its expression or activity. However, a second repression mechanism was recently shown to be mediated by the transcription factor ZBTB7A/LRF, suggesting that understanding the regulation of ZBTB7A may also be useful. Here we show that Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) directly drives expression of ZBTB7A in erythroid cells by binding to its proximal promoter. We have also uncovered an erythroid-specific regulation mechanism, leading to the upregulation of a novel ZBTB7A transcript in the erythroid compartment. The demonstration that ZBTB7A, like BCL11A, is a KLF1 target gene also fits with the observation that reduced KLF1 expression or activity is associated with HbF derepression.

GATA1 Activity Governed by Configurations of cis-Acting Elements

The transcription factor GATA1 regulates the expression of essential erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation genes through binding to the DNA consensus sequence WGATAR. The GATA1 protein has four functional domains, including two centrally located zinc-finger domains and two transactivation domains at the N- and C-termini. These functional domains play characteristic roles in the elaborate regulation of diversified GATA1 target genes, each of which exhibits a unique expression profile. Three types of GATA1-related hematological malignancies have been reported. One is a structural mutation in the GATA1 gene, resulting in the production of a short form of GATA1 that lacks the N-terminal transactivation domain and is found in Down syndrome-related acute megakaryocytic leukemia. The other two are cis-acting regulatory mutations affecting expression of the Gata1 gene, which have been shown to cause acute erythroblastic leukemia and myelofibrosis in mice. Therefore, imbalanced gene regulation caused by qualitative and quantitative changes in GATA1 is thought to be involved in specific hematological disease pathogenesis. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of differential transcriptional regulation by GATA1 during erythroid differentiation, with special reference to the binding kinetics of GATA1 at conformation-specific binding sites.

Long-term exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites inhibited erythroid differentiation and elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes

Benzene is a common occupational hazard and a widespread environmental pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that 72 h exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells accompanied with elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes. However, little is known about the effects of long-term and low-dose benzene metabolite exposure. In this study, to elucidate the effects of long-term benzene metabolite exposure on erythroid differentiation, K562 cells were treated with low-concentration phenol, hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol for at least 3 weeks. After exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites, hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis declined in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and the hemin-induced expressions of α-, β- and γ-globin genes and heme synthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, when K562 cells were continuously cultured without benzene metabolites for another 20 days after exposure to benzene metabolites for 4 weeks, the decreased erythroid differentiation capabilities still remained stable in hydroquinone- and 1,2,4-benzenetriol-exposed cells, but showed a slow increase in phenol-exposed K562 cells. In addition, methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine significantly blocked benzene metabolites inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis and expression of erythroid genes. Quantitative MassARRAY methylation analysis also confirmed that the exposure to benzene metabolites increased DNA methylation levels at several CpG sites in several erythroid-specific genes and their far-upstream regulatory elements. These results demonstrated that long-term and low-dose exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited the hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, in which DNA methylation played a role through the suppression of erythroid specific genes.

New PAH gene promoter KLF1 and 3'-region C/EBPalpha motifs influence transcription in vitro

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disease caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Although the PAH genotype remains the main determinant of PKU phenotype severity, genotype-phenotype inconsistencies have been reported. In this study, we focused on unanalysed sequences in non-coding PAH gene regions to assess their possible influence on the PKU phenotype. We transiently transfected HepG2 cells with various chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter constructs which included PAH gene non-coding regions. Selected non-coding regions were indicated by in silico prediction to contain transcription factor binding sites. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and supershift assays were performed to identify which transcriptional factors were engaged in the interaction. We found novel KLF1 motif in the PAH promoter, which decreases CAT activity by 50 % in comparison to basal transcription in vitro. The cytosine at the c.-170 promoter position creates an additional binding site for the protein complex involving KLF1 transcription factor. Moreover, we assessed for the first time the role of a multivariant variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) region located in the 3'-region of the PAH gene. We found that the VNTR3, VNTR7 and VNTR8 constructs had approximately 60 % of CAT activity. The regulation is mediated by the C/EBPalpha transcription factor, present in protein complex binding to VNTR3. Our study highlighted two novel promoter KLF1 and 3'-region C/EBPalpha motifs in the PAH gene which decrease transcription in vitro and, thus, could be considered as PAH expression modifiers. New transcription motifs in non-coding regions will contribute to better understanding of the PKU phenotype complexity and may become important for the optimisation of PKU treatment.

Bilaterian-like promoters in the highly compact Amphimedon queenslandica genome

The regulatory systems underlying animal development must have evolved prior to the emergence of eumetazoans (cnidarians and bilaterians). Although representatives of earlier-branching animals - sponges ctenophores and placozoans - possess most of the developmental transcription factor families present in eumetazoans, the DNA regulatory elements that these transcription factors target remain uncharted. Here we characterise the core promoter sequences, U1 snRNP-binding sites (5' splice sites; 5'SSs) and polyadenylation sites (PASs) in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. Similar to unicellular opisthokonts, Amphimedon's genes are tightly packed in the genome and have small introns. In contrast, its genes possess metazoan-like core promoters populated with binding motifs previously deemed to be specific to vertebrates, including Nrf-1 and Krüppel-like elements. Also as in vertebrates, Amphimedon's PASs and 5'SSs are depleted downstream and upstream of transcription start sites, respectively, consistent with non-elongating transcripts being short-lived; PASs and 5'SSs are more evenly distributed in bidirectional promoters in Amphimedon. The presence of bilaterian-like regulatory DNAs in sponges is consistent with these being early and essential innovations of the metazoan gene regulatory repertoire.

Krüppeling erythropoiesis: an unexpected broad spectrum of human red blood cell disorders due to KLF1 variants

Until recently our approach to analyzing human genetic diseases has been to accurately phenotype patients and sequence the genes known to be associated with those phenotypes; for example, in thalassemia, the globin loci are analyzed. Sequencing has become increasingly accessible, and thus a larger panel of genes can be analyzed and whole exome and/or whole genome sequencing can be used when no variants are found in the candidate genes. By using such approaches in patients with unexplained anemias, we have discovered that a broad range of hitherto unrelated human red cell disorders are caused by variants in KLF1, a master regulator of erythropoiesis, which were previously considered to be extremely rare causes of human genetic disease.

Krüppel-Like Transcription Factor KLF1 Is Required for Optimal γ- and β-Globin Expression in Human Fetal Erythroblasts

In human adult erythroid cells, lower than normal levels of Krüppel-like transcription factor 1 (KLF1) are generally associated with decreased adult β- and increased fetal γ-globin gene expression. KLF1 also regulates BCL11A, a known repressor of adult γ-globin expression. In seeming contrast to the findings in adult cells, lower amounts of KLF1 correlate with both reduced embryonic and reduced fetal β-like globin mRNA in mouse embryonic erythroid cells. The role of KLF1 in primary human fetal erythroid cells, which express both γ- and β-globin mRNA, is less well understood. Therefore, we studied the role of KLF1 in ex vivo differentiated CD34+ umbilical cord blood cells (UCB erythroblasts), representing the fetal milieu. In UCB erythroblasts, KLF1 binds to the β-globin locus control region (LCR), and the β-globin promoter. There is very little KLF1 binding detectable at the γ-globin promoter. Correspondingly, when cultured fetal UCB erythroblasts are subjected to lentiviral KLF1 knockdown, the active histone mark H3K4me3 and RNA pol II recruitment are diminished at the β- but not the γ-globin gene. The amount of KLF1 expression strongly positively correlates with β-globin mRNA and weakly positively correlates with BCL11A mRNA. With modest KLF1 knockdown, mimicking haploinsufficiency, γ-globin mRNA is increased in UCB erythroblasts, as is common in adult cells. However, a threshold level of KLF1 is evidently required, or there is no absolute increase in γ-globin mRNA in UCB erythroblasts. Therefore, the role of KLF1 in γ-globin regulation in fetal erythroblasts is complex, with both positive and negative facets. Furthermore, in UCB erythroblasts, diminished BCL11A is not sufficient to induce γ-globin in the absence of KLF1. These findings have implications for the manipulation of BCL11A and/or KLF1 to induce γ-globin for therapy of the β-hemoglobinopathies.