Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the GM-CSF promoter by RUNX1

• Published in: Leukemia research Vol. 34; no. 9; pp. 1203 - 1213
• Main Authors: Oakford, Phillippa C, James, Sally R, Qadi, Abeer, West, Alison C, Ray, Shannon N, Bert, Andrew G, Cockerill, Peter N, Holloway, Adele F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2010
• Subjects: Base Sequence; Cell Line; Chromatin; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit - physiology; DNA Primers; Epigenesis, Genetic; GM-CSF; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor - genetics; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Oncoprotein; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RNA, Small Interfering; RUNX1; Transcription; Transcription, Genetic; Chromatin; Transcription; GM-CSF; Oncoprotein; RUNX1
• ISSN: 0145-2126; 1873-5835
• DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.03.029

Abstract The RUNX1 gene, which is essential for normal hematopoiesis, is frequently rearranged by the t(8;21) chromosomal translocation in acute myeloid leukemia. The resulting RUNX1–ETO fusion protein contributes to leukemic progression by directing aberrant association of transcriptional cofactors and epigenetic modifiers to RUNX1 target genes. For example, the GM-CSF gene is activated by RUNX1, but is repressed by RUNX1–ETO. Here we show that RUNX1 normally cooperates with the histone acetyltransferase, CBP, to regulate GM-CSF expression at two levels. Firstly, it directs the establishment of a competent chromatin environment at the GM-CSF promoter prior to gene activation. It then participates in the transcriptional activation of the promoter in response to immune stimuli. In contrast, RUNX1–ETO, which cannot associate with CBP, is unable to transactivate the GM-CSF promoter and is associated with the generation of a repressive chromatin environment at the promoter.