A Comparison of Five Different Culture Protocols Shows That Growth of Human CD34+ Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in SCF, IL-3, Flt-3 Ligand and EPO Results in Exponential Erythroid Expansion and a Globin Gene Expression Pattern Which Is Similar to That Seen in Human Bone Marrow.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3649-3649
Author(s):  
Rodwell H. Mabaera ◽  
Christopher H. Lowrey
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Gene Expression Pattern ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Peripheral Blood Stem Cells ◽  
Blood Stem Cells ◽  
High Level ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract Pharmacologic reactivation of γ-globin globin gene expression offers a potential strategy for ameliorating the consequences of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. While previous clinical and laboratory studies have established the effectiveness of inhibitors of DNA methylation in stimulating the expression of the fetal globin genes, the molecular mechanisms by which this effect is achieved are not well understood. In order to study the mechanisms and pharmacologic properties of these agents in a clinically relevant laboratory model, we have compared five different in vitro human erythroid differentiation protocols. In performing these experiments we sought a system which would yield a large number of erythroid cells exhibiting a pattern of globin gene expression which closely matched the pattern seen in adult bone marrow. FACS purified CD34+ peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from healthy donors were obtained from the NHLBI Programs of Excellence in Gene Therapy Hematopoietic Cell Processing Core (PEGT-HCPC) at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. PBSC were cultured in the following different combinations of recombinant human cytokines: A) EPO alone for 12d; B) EPO, SCF and IL-3 for 14d; C) EPO, SCF and IL-3 for 7d followed by EPO alone for 7d; D) EPO, GM-CSF and IL-3 for 12d; and E) SCF, IL-3 and Flt-3 ligand for 7d followed by EPO alone for 11d. Cells were counted every day and differentiation assessed by light microscopy and flow cytometry using CD34, glycophorin A (GPA) and transferrin antibodies. Globin gene expression was measured by real time RT-PCR. Cultures B, C and E underwent exponential expansion from d4, while A and D showed no appreciable expansion. By day 6, all cultures that had EPO from d0 (A–D) consisted mainly of CD34−, GPA+ proerythroblasts. Basophilic erythroblasts, followed by polychromatophilic forms were evident at 8–10 days. By the end of each experiment more than 90% of cells in these cultures were erythroid. In contrast, condition E showed persistent expression of CD34 until removal of IL-3, SCF and flt-3 ligand. Proerythroblasts appeared on day 10 followed by basophilic and polychromatophilic forms at 13–15 days. At the end of the culture period 63% erythroid cells (by flow) were seen in a background of maturing monocytes and granulocytes. RT-PCR showed that induction of globin mRNA occured in all cultures at or just before appearance of basophilic erythroblasts (day 7–9 for cultures A–D and day 11–13 for E). While conditions C and E showed the highest levels of globin gene expression, peak expression under condition C for γ- and β-globins were equivalent and their expression overlapped. Condition E showed a much higher level of β- than γ-globin expression (β/γ ratio of 8:1), the rise in β-globin mRNA (d9–14) was accompanied by a fall γ-globin mRNA and β-globin expression persisted at a high level until the end of the experiment (d14–18). Of the 5 differentiation protocols tested, condition E appears to be the best choice for future studies of pharmacological reactivation of γ-globin gene expression as it produced a large number of erythroid cells which exhibited a gene expression pattern similar to that seen in normal human bone marrow and had a period of stable high-level β-globin gene expression which persisted over several days.

5-Azacytidine Induction of Human γ-Globin Gene Expression: Experimental Evaluation of Current Models.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1581-1581
Author(s):  
Rodwell Mabaera ◽  
Christine Richardson ◽  
Sarah Conine ◽  
Christopher H. Lowrey
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Erythroid Differentiation ◽  
Maximal Response ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Potent Inducer ◽  
Cellular Dna ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) was demonstrated to be a potent inducer of human fetal globin gene expression more than 20 years ago. More recently, 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine has been shown to have similar properties. Since the 1980’s there have been two predominant hypotheses to explain the action of these agents. The first is based on the observation that these, and several other active inducing agents, are cytotoxic to differentiating erythroid cells and that drug treatment alters the kinetics of erythroid differentiation. This has been proposed to result in prolonged expression of the γ-globin genes which are normally expressed only early in differentiation. The second is based on the observation that both agents are DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and are presumed to cause demethylation of cellular DNA including the γ-globin gene promoters leading to activation of the genes. These two models lead to specific predictions that we have evaluated using an in vitro erythroid differentiation system. In this system, human adult CD34+ cells are cultured in SCF, Flt3 ligand and IL-3 for 7 days and then switched to Epo for 14 days. This results in an exponential expansion of erythroid cells. As has been described for normal human differentiation, these cells express small amounts of γ-globin mRNA early in differentiation followed by a much larger amount of β-globin mRNA. HPLC at the end of the culture period shows 99% HbA and 1% HbF. Treatment of cultures on a daily basis with 5-Aza starting on day 10 results in dose dependent increases in γ-globin mRNA, Gγ- and Aγ-chain production and HbF. The cytotoxicity model predicts that γ-globin expression will be prolonged to later in differentiation - and this is seen. However, a daily 5-Aza dose of 300 nM, which produces ~80% of the maximal response in γ-globin mRNA and HbF, has no effect on cell growth or differentiation kinetics. This argues against the toxicity model. We next examined the effect of 5-Aza on γ-globin promoter methylation using the bisulfite method. We studied CpGs at −344, −252, −162, −53, −50, +6, +19 and +50 relative to the start site. For untreated controls, all of the sites are nearly 100% methylated at day 1. By day 3, the upstream sites become ~50% methylated except the −53 CpG which was <20%. This pattern persisted at day 10. By day 14 the promoters had become largely remethylated. For cells treated with 5-Aza starting on day 10, there was no change in the levels of methylation seen on days 1,3 and 10, but at day 14 the low levels of upstream methylation persisted - just as γ-globin expression does. However, in both treated and untreated cells, down-stream CpG sites were highly methylated at all time points. This suggests that γ promoter demethylation may be due to a local and not a generalized effect of 5-Aza on cellular DNA methylation. We also made two unexpected observations. At a 300nM dose of 5-Aza, γ-globin mRNA is ~doubled while β-globin mRNA levels are ~halved - indicating that 5-Aza not only induces γ-globin expression also suppresses β-globin. Also despite only a doubling in γ-globin mRNA, there was an ~50-fold increase in HbF, from ~1% to more than 50%, while total per cell Hb levels were unchanged. Neither of these results are easily explained by current models of γ-globin gene induction. Our results raise the possibility that mechanisms beyond cytotoxicity and generalized DNA demethylation may be responsible for pharmacologic induction of γ-globin mRNA and HbF.

X-Ray and UV Irradiation and Heat Shock Induce γ-Globin Gene Expression in Erythroid Cells Via P38 MAPK Signaling.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 459-459
Author(s):  
Rachel West ◽  
Rodwell Mabaera ◽  
Sarah Conine ◽  
Elizabeth Macari ◽  
William J. Lowrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
P38 Mapk ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract Abstract 459 We have recently presented a cell stress signaling model to explain the ability of a wide variety of mechanistically distinct drugs to induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production (Mabaera et al, Exp Hematol 2008). This model proposes that HbF inducing agents, including DNMT and HDAC inhibitors, short-chain fatty acid derivatives and cytotoxic agents induce HbF production by activating intracellular cell stress signaling pathways and that the p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway plays a central role in the induction process. The major alternative to this model is that each class of drugs works through a distinct mechanism, such as global DNA hypomethylation or histone hyperacetylation. If our model is correct, then non-pharmacologic inducers of p38 MAPK signaling, such as X-ray and UV irradiation, heat shock, and osmotic shock should also increase γ-globin gene expression. If these physical stresses do not up-regulate γ-globin gene expression, then our model is likely to be incorrect. To mimic our previous experiments in which we treated differentiating human primary erythroid cells with inducing agents over several days, we exposed K562 cells to physical stresses daily for 5 days at doses that did not cause cell death. To test whether X-irradiation induces the transcription of γ-globin mRNA, cells were irradiated at doses ranging from 0 to 1.0 cGy/day, in the absence and presence of SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor). Experiments were first performed on K562 cells, and then during in vitro erythroid differentiation of primary human CD34+ cells. These treatments stimulated a strong, dose-dependent increase of γ-globin mRNA in both K562 cells (up to 6-fold over untreated cells) and in primary erythroid cells (up to 5-fold) as measured by quantitative RT-PCR. SB203580 abolished this effect in both cell types. The inhibitor also caused a decrease in γ-globin mRNA expression in untreated control cells, suggesting that p38 MAPK signaling plays a role in basal γ-globin gene expression. The same X-ray doses also induced phosphorylation of the down-stream p38 MAPK target, HSP-27 and up-regulated expression of stress-induced transcription factor genes including GADD34, CHOP (GADD153), and ATF3. Expression of GADD34 and CHOP genes and HSP-27 phosphorylation were inhibited by SB203580. We next tested the ability of UV light (254 nm) administered daily for 5 days to induce γ-globin mRNA in K562 cells. A dose-dependent increase in γ-globin mRNA was observed following exposure to doses as low as 10 J/m2. Cells treated with 35 J/m2 had 2.7-fold higher levels of steady state γ-globin mRNA compared to untreated control cells. This induction was also inhibited by SB203580. Preliminary experiments with heat shock have yielded similar results. Following a single 180-minute exposure to 42°C, K562 cells showed a 2.2-fold increase in γ-globin mRNA compared to untreated cells. Shorter exposures to higher temperatures (e.g., 50°C for 15 minutes) caused an approximately 3-fold increase in γ-globin steady-state mRNA after 24 hours. These 2- to 3-fold increases in expression are similar to those we have previously observed in primary human erythroid cells with 5-azacytidine and butyrate. In none of our experiments did the K562 cells become benzidine positive, indicating that increased γ-globin expression was not the result of activating an erythroid differentiation program. Together with other published studies, these data support the hypothesis that p38 MAPK pathway signaling, whether caused by drugs or physical stress, is a key component of γ-globin gene induction. This in turn suggests that the components of the p38 MAPK pathway could serve as novel targets for the development of new HbF inducing agents. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Calpeptin Increases the Activity of Upstream Stimulatory Factor and Induces High Level Globin Gene Expression in Erythroid Cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 284 (30) ◽  
pp. 20130-20135 ◽  
Author(s):  
I-Ju Lin ◽  
Zhuo Zhou ◽  
Valerie J. Crusselle-Davis ◽  
Babak Moghimi ◽  
Kunjal Gandhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Upstream Stimulatory Factor ◽  
High Level ◽  
Stimulatory Factor ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
In Erythroid Cells

Simvastatin and tBHQ Act Synergistically to Increase γ-Globin Gene Expression Through the Transcription Factors KLF2 and NRF2

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2149-2149
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R Macari ◽  
Christopher H. Lowrey
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Statin Treatment ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract Abstract 2149 While increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels have proven therapeutic benefit for people with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, none of the current HbF inducing agents have the optimal combination of safety, efficacy and ease of use that would make them applicable to most hemoglobinopathy patients. In an effort to develop new strategies for HbF induction, we have recently shown that drugs that activate the NF-E2 related factor 2 (NRF2)/antioxidant response signaling pathway stimulate HbF production in primary human erythroid cells. This discovery prompted us to investigate ways to further enhance HbF levels achieved with NRF2 activators alone. Recent reports from the cardiovascular literature have uncovered a synergy between Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and NRF2. In vascular endothelial cells, shear stress induces a battery of genes that protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and this induction is mediated by the transcription factors KLF2 and NRF2 and includes synergistic activation of NRF2 target genes by the two factors. Interestingly, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), are strong activators of the transcription factor, KLF2. These findings suggested to us that combining statins with drugs that activate NRF2 signaling might synergistically activate γ-globin gene expression and HbF production. An additional rationale for this approach is that several NRF2 activating drugs are either already approved or undergoing clinical testing and that statins are among the most widely used drugs. To test this hypothesis, we first treated K562 cells with various concentrations of simvastatin and observed a dose dependent increase in KLF2 mRNA and protein expression, with 5μM statin resulting in more than 200-fold increase in steady state mRNA levels but no change in γ-globin mRNA. When combined with tBHQ, 5μM statin synergistically increased γ-globin levels compared to either drug alone at 24 and 48hrs. To investigate the specificity of this synergy, we created a stable K562 cell line that overexpressed murine klf2. Treating these cells with tBHQ enhanced γ-globin expression compared to tBHQ treated WT K562 cells, reproducing the effect we saw with statin and tBHQ combination treatment in WT K562 cells. This suggests that KLF2 is responsible for the synergistic effects of statin when combined with tBHQ. To further investigate the mechanism of statin action we performed KLF2 and NRF2 ChIP studies. Statin treatment strongly increased KLF2 binding to HS2 of the β-globin LCR (30-fold over IgG) while tBHQ induced NRF2 binding to the NF-E2 region of LCR HS2 30-fold and 10-fold over IgG in K562 and in primary human erythroid cells, respectively. Binding at HS1, HS3 or HS4 was not increased for either factor. In a single experiment performed so far, combined tBHQ and statin treatment of differentiating primary human erythroid cells increased KLF2 and NRF2 target gene NQO1 mRNA. γ-globin mRNA was induced to levels equivalent to those seen with 5-azacytidine. These data provide preliminary evidence suggesting that combining NRF2 activators with widely used statins may be a safe and effective way to achieve therapeutic HbF levels in β-thalassmia and sickle cell disease patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Mi2β-mediated silencing of the fetal γ-globin gene in adult erythroid cells

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 121 (17) ◽  
pp. 3493-3501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Amaya ◽  
Megha Desai ◽  
Merlin Nithya Gnanapragasam ◽  
Shou Zhen Wang ◽  
Sheng Zu Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Major Part ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
Partial Depletion

Key Points Mi2β exerts a major part of its silencing effect on embryonic and fetal globin genes by positively regulating the BCL11A and KLF1 genes. Partial depletion of Mi2β induces increased γ-globin gene expression in primary human erythroid cells without impairing differentiation.

scholarly journals Long-Distance Control of Origin Choice and Replication Timing in the Human β-Globin Locus Are Independent of the Locus Control Region

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 5581-5591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Cimbora ◽  
Dirk Schübeler ◽  
Andreas Reik ◽  
Joan Hamilton ◽  
Claire Francastel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Replication Timing ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Chromatin Conformation ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Targeted Deletion ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

ABSTRACT DNA replication in the human β-globin locus is subject to long-distance regulation. In murine and human erythroid cells, the human locus replicates in early S phase from a bidirectional origin located near the β-globin gene. This Hispanic thalassemia deletion removes regulatory sequences located over 52 kb from the origin, resulting in replication of the locus from a different origin, a shift in replication timing to late S phase, adoption of a closed chromatin conformation, and silencing of globin gene expression in murine erythroid cells. The sequences deleted include nuclease-hypersensitive sites 2 to 5 (5′HS2-5) of the locus control region (LCR) plus an additional 27-kb upstream region. We tested a targeted deletion of 5′HS2-5 in the normal chromosomal context of the human β-globin locus to determine the role of these elements in replication origin choice and replication timing. We demonstrate that the 5′HS2-5-deleted locus initiates replication at the appropriate origin and with normal timing in murine erythroid cells, and therefore we conclude that 5′HS2-5 in the classically defined LCR do not control replication in the human β-globin locus. Recent studies also show that targeted deletion of 5′HS2-5 results in a locus that lacks globin gene expression yet retains an open chromatin conformation. Thus, the replication timing of the locus is closely correlated with nuclease sensitivity but not globin gene expression.

scholarly journals 5'-flanking sequences mediate butyrate stimulation of embryonic globin gene expression in adult erythroid cells.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4690-4697 ◽  
Author(s):  
J G Glauber ◽  
N J Wandersee ◽  
J A Little ◽  
G D Ginder
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Adult Chicken ◽  
Beta Globin Gene ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Murine Erythroleukemia ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

A stable transfection assay was used to test the mechanism by which embryonic globin gene transcription is stimulated in adult erythroid cells exposed to butyric acid and its analogs. To test the appropriate expression and inducibility of chicken globin genes in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, an adult chicken beta-globin gene construct was stably transfected. The chicken beta-globin gene was found to be coregulated with the endogenous adult mouse alpha-globin gene following induction of erythroid differentiation of the transfected MEL cells by incubation with either 2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or 1 mM sodium butyrate (NaB). In contrast, a stably transfected embryonic chicken beta-type globin gene, rho, was downregulated during DMSO-induced MEL cell differentiation. However, incubation with NaB, which induces MEL cell differentiation, or alpha-amino butyrate, which does not induce differentiation of MEL cells, resulted in markedly increased levels of transcription from the stably transfected rho gene. Analysis of histone modification showed that induction of rho gene expression was not correlated with increased bulk histone acetylation. A region of 5'-flanking sequence extending from -569 to -725 bp upstream of the rho gene cap site was found to be required for both downregulation of rho gene expression during DMSO-induced differentiation and upregulation by treatment with NaB or alpha-amino butyrate. These data are support for a novel mechanism by which butyrate compounds can alter cellular gene expression through specific DNA sequences. The results reported here are also evidence that 5'-flanking sequences are involved in the suppression of embryonic globin gene expression in terminally differentiated adult erythroid cells.

scholarly journals Bone marrow glycophorin‐positive erythroid cells of myelodysplastic patients responding to high‐dose rHuEPO therapy have a different gene expression pattern from those of nonresponders

2008 ◽  
Vol 83 (7) ◽  
pp. 531-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agostino Cortelezzi ◽  
Gualtiero Colombo ◽  
Caterina Pellegrini ◽  
Ilaria Silvestris ◽  
Lorenza Moronetti Mazzeo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Expression Pattern ◽  
Gene Expression Pattern ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Erythroid Cells

scholarly journals Chromatin Accessibility Mapping of Primary Erythroid Cell Populations Leads to Identification and Validation of Nuclear Factor I X (NFIX) As a Novel Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) Repressor

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 812-812
Author(s):  
Mudit Chaand ◽  
Chris Fiore ◽  
Brian T Johnston ◽  
Diane H Moon ◽  
John P Carulli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Chromatin Accessibility ◽  
Cell Populations ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Erythroid Maturation ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Human beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated. Erythroblasts (EBs) derived from fetal tissues, such as umbilical cord blood (CB), primarily express gamma globin mRNA (HBG) and HbF, while EBs derived from adult tissues, such as bone marrow (BM), predominantly express beta globin mRNA (HBB) and adult hemoglobin. Human genetics has validated de-repression of HBG in adult EBs as a powerful therapeutic paradigm in diseases involving defective HBB, such as sickle cell anemia. To identify novel factors involved in the switch from HBG to HBB expression, and to better understand the global regulatory networks driving the fetal and adult cell states, we performed transcriptome profiling (RNA-seq) and chromatin accessibility profiling (ATAC-seq) on sorted EB cell populations from CB or BM. This approach improves upon previous studies that used unsorted cells (Huang J, Dev Cell 2016) or that did not measure chromatin accessibility (Yan H, Am J Hematol 2018). CD34+ cells from CB and BM were differentiated using a 3-phase in vitro culture system (Giarratana M, Blood 2011). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and the cell surface markers CD36 and GYPA were used to isolate 7 discrete populations, with each sorting gate representing increasingly mature, stage-matched EBs from CB or BM (Fig 1A, B). RNA-seq analysis revealed expected expression patterns of the beta-like globins, with total levels increasing during erythroid maturation and primarily composed of HBB or HBG transcripts in BM or CB, respectively (Fig 1C). Erythroid maturation led to progressive increases in chromatin accessibility at the HBB promoter in BM populations. In CB-derived cells, erythroid maturation led to progressive increases in chromatin accessibility at the HBG promoters through the CD36+GYPA+ stage (Pops 1-5). Chromatin accessibility shifted from the HBG promoters to the HBB promoter during the final stages of differentiation (Pops 6-7), suggesting that HBG gene activation is transient in CB EBs (Fig 1D). Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of ATAC-seq data revealed that cell populations cluster based on differentiation stage rather than by BM or CB lineage, suggesting most molecular changes are stage-specific, not lineage-specific (Fig 2A, B). To identify transcription factors driving cell state, and potentially beta-like globin expression preference, we searched for DNA binding motifs within regions of differential chromatin accessibility and found NFI factor motifs enriched under peaks that were larger in BM relative to CB (Fig 2C). Transcription factor footprinting analysis showed that both flanking accessibility and footprint depth at NFI motifs were also increased in BM relative to CB (Fig 2D). Increased chromatin accessibility was observed at the NFIX promoter in BM relative to CB populations, and in HUDEP-2 relative to HUDEP-1 cell lines (Fig 2E). Furthermore, accessibility at the NFIX promoter correlated with elevated NFIX mRNA in BM and HUDEP-2 relative to CB and HUDEP-1, respectively. Together these data implicated NFIX in HbF repression, a finding consistent with previous genome-wide association and DNA methylation studies that suggested a possible role for NFIX in regulating beta-like globin gene expression (Fabrice D, Nat Genet 2016; Lessard S, Genome Med 2015). To directly test the hypothesis that NFIX represses HbF, short hairpin RNAs were used to knockdown (KD) NFIX in primary erythroblasts derived from human CD34+ BM cells (Fig 3A). NFIX KD led to a time-dependent induction of HBG mRNA, HbF, and F-cells comparable to KD of the known HbF repressor BCL11A (Fig 3B-D). A similar effect on HbF was observed in HUDEP-2 cells following NFIX KD (Fig 3E). Consistent with HbF induction, NFIX KD also increased chromatin accessibility and decreased DNA methylation at the HBG promoters in primary EBs (Fig 3F, G). NFIX KD led to a delay in erythroid differentiation as measured by CD36 and GYPA expression (Fig 3H). Despite this delay, by day 14 a high proportion of fully enucleated erythroblasts was observed, suggesting NFIX KD cells are capable of terminal differentiation (Fig 3H). Collectively, these data have enabled identification and validation of NFIX as a novel repressor of HbF, a finding that enhances the understanding of beta-like globin gene regulation and has potential implications in the development of therapeutics for sickle cell disease. Disclosures Chaand: Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fiore:Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Johnston:Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Moon:Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Carulli:Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shearstone:Syros Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.

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