Proximity among distant regulatory elements at the beta-globin locus requires GATA-1 and FOG-1.

Recent evidence suggests that long-range enhancers and gene promoters are in close proximity, which might reflect the formation of chromatin loops. Here, we examined the mechanism for DNA looping at the beta-globin locus. By using chromosome conformation capture (3C), we show that the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1 and its cofactor FOG-1 are required for the physical interaction between the beta-globin locus control region (LCR) and the beta-major globin promoter.

Identification of cyclin D3 as a direct target of E2A using DamID.

The transcription factor E2A can promote precursor B cell expansion, promote G(1) cell cycle progression, and induce the expressions of multiple G(1)-phase cyclins. To better understand the mechanism by which E2A induces these cyclins, we characterized the relationship between E2A and the cyclin D3 gene promoter. E2A transactivated the 1-kb promoter of cyclin D3, which contains two E boxes.

Context-dependent regulation of GATA-1 by friend of GATA-1.

The transcription factor GATA-1 and its cofactor, friend of GATA-1 (FOG-1), are essential for normal erythroid development. FOG-1 physically interacts with GATA-1 to augment or inhibit its activity. The mechanisms by which FOG-1 regulates GATA-1 function are unknown.

GATA-1-mediated proliferation arrest during erythroid maturation.

Transcription factor GATA-1 is essential for erythroid and megakaryocytic maturation. GATA-1 mutations are associated with hematopoietic precursor proliferation and leukemogenesis, suggesting a role in cell cycle control. While numerous GATA-1 target genes specifying mature hematopoietic phenotypes have been identified, how GATA-1 regulates proliferation remains unknown.

Formation of a tissue-specific histone acetylation pattern by the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1.

One function of lineage-restricted transcription factors may be to control the formation of tissue-specific chromatin domains. In erythroid cells, the beta-globin gene cluster undergoes developmentally regulated hyperacetylation of histones at the active globin genes and the locus control region (LCR). However, it is unknown which transcription factor(s) governs the establishment of this erythroid-specific chromatin domain.

Control of megakaryocyte-specific gene expression by GATA-1 and FOG-1: role of Ets transcription factors.

The transcription factor GATA-1 and its cofactor FOG-1 are essential for the normal development of erythroid cells and megakaryocytes. FOG-1 can stimulate or inhibit GATA-1 activity depending on cell and promoter context. How the GATA-1-FOG-1 complex controls the expression of distinct sets of gene in megakaryocytes and erythroid cells is not understood.