A GATA-1-regulated microRNA locus essential for erythropoiesis

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Mar 4;105(9):3333-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0712312105. Epub 2008 Feb 26.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control tissue development, but their mechanism of regulation is not well understood. We used a gene complementation strategy combined with microarray screening to identify miRNAs involved in the formation of erythroid (red blood) cells. Two conserved miRNAs, miR 144 and miR 451, emerged as direct targets of the critical hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1. In vivo, GATA-1 binds a distal upstream regulatory element to activate RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription of a single common precursor RNA (pri-miRNA) encoding both mature miRNAs. Zebrafish embryos depleted of miR 451 by using antisense morpholinos form erythroid precursors, but their development into mature circulating red blood cells is strongly and specifically impaired. These results reveal a miRNA locus that is required for erythropoiesis and uncover a new regulatory axis through which GATA-1 controls this process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Erythroid Precursor Cells / cytology*
  • Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors
  • Erythropoiesis / genetics*
  • GATA1 Transcription Factor / physiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / analysis
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors
  • GATA1 Transcription Factor
  • Gata1 protein, mouse
  • MicroRNAs

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE10134