CHD7 and Runx1 interaction provides a braking mechanism for hematopoietic differentiation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 Sep 22;117(38):23626-23635. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2003228117. Epub 2020 Sep 3.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) formation and lineage differentiation involve gene expression programs orchestrated by transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Genetic disruption of the chromatin remodeler chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) expanded phenotypic HSPCs, erythroid, and myeloid lineages in zebrafish and mouse embryos. CHD7 acts to suppress hematopoietic differentiation. Binding motifs for RUNX and other hematopoietic transcription factors are enriched at sites occupied by CHD7, and decreased RUNX1 occupancy correlated with loss of CHD7 localization. CHD7 physically interacts with RUNX1 and suppresses RUNX1-induced expansion of HSPCs during development through modulation of RUNX1 activity. Consequently, the RUNX1:CHD7 axis provides proper timing and function of HSPCs as they emerge during hematopoietic development or mature in adults, representing a distinct and evolutionarily conserved control mechanism to ensure accurate hematopoietic lineage differentiation.

Keywords: CHD7; RUNX1; hematopoiesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit* / chemistry
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit* / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit* / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins* / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins* / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hematopoiesis*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Chd7 protein, mouse
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Runx1 protein, mouse