The transcription factor Erg is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and the function of adult hematopoietic stem cells

• DOI: 10.1038/ni.1617
• Publication Date: 2008-05-30T13:48:58Z
• Authors: Stephen J Loughran; Elizabeth A Kruse; Douglas F Hacking; Carolyn A de Graaf; Craig D Hyland; Tracy A Willson; Katya J Henley; Sarah Ellis; Anne K Voss; Donald Metcalf; Douglas J Hilton; Warren S Alexander; Benjamin T Kile
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; Transcription, Genetic; Flow Cytometry; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Mice, Mutant Strains; Hematopoiesis; 3. Good health; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Gene Expression Regulation; Transcriptional Regulator ERG; Mutation; Trans-Activators; Animals; Humans

Ets-related gene (ERG), which encodes a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, is a potent oncogene. Chromosomal rearrangements involving ERG are found in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma and more than half of all prostate cancers; however, the normal physiological function of Erg is unknown. We did a sensitized genetic screen of the mouse for regulators of hematopoietic stem cell function and report here a germline mutation of Erg. We show that Erg is required for definitive hematopoiesis, adult hematopoietic stem cell function and the maintenance of normal peripheral blood platelet numbers.