The Transcription Factor EGR1 Controls Both the Proliferation and Localization of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Irene M. Min, Giorgio Pietramaggiori, Francis S. Kim, Emmanuelle Passegué, Kristen E. Stevenson, Amy J. Wagers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

254 Scopus citations

Abstract

EGR1 is a member of the immediate early response transcription factor family and functions in cell growth, development, and stress responses in many tissues. Here we report an additional role for EGR1 in regulating homeostasis of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs normally express Egr1 at high levels, but dramatically downregulate its expression when induced to divide and migrate. Consistent with this finding, mice lacking Egr1 exhibit significant increases in steady-state levels of dividing HSCs in the bone marrow (BM), and a striking spontaneous mobilization of HSCs into the peripheral blood. These data identify EGR1 as a transcriptional regulator of stem cell migration that normally functions to promote HSC quiescence and retention in the niche. The ability of this single factor to regulate both proliferation and mobilization of HSCs suggests that EGR1 commands a genetic program that coordinates stem cell division and migration to maintain appropriate HSC number and function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)380-391
Number of pages12
JournalCell Stem Cell
Volume2
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 10 2008

Keywords

  • STEMCELL

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

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