Erythroid transcription factor also known as GATA-binding factor 1 or GATA-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GATA1 gene.[1]
GATA-1 is a member of the GATA transcription factor family and is involved in cell growth and cancer. This protein plays a role in erythroid development by regulating the switch of fetal hemoglobin to adult hemoglobin. Mutations in this gene have been associated with X-linked dyserythropoietic anemia and thrombocytopenia.[2]
Contents |
GATA-1 is essential for erythroid (red blood cell) and megakaryocytic (platelet producing cell) development and mice without GATA1 die as embryos. It helps transcribe the α-spectrin structural protein which is critical for the shape of red blood cells.
GATA-1 has been found to enhance the transcription rates of the α-spectrin gene by up to 100 fold in humans.[3]
The molecule contains three domains: the C-finger, the N-finger, and the Activation Domain. The C-finger, named for being near the C-terminal, has a Zinc finger DNA binding domain. The N-finger, named for being near the N-terminal also binds DNA and a cofactor named FOG1 (friend of GATA). The Activation Domain is responsible for GATA1's strong transcriptional activation. The gene for GATA1 is on the X-chromosome.
Mutations in exon 2 of the GATA1 gene are present in almost all cases of Down syndrome (DS)-associated acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL).[4][5] While AMKL is typically associated with the (1;22) translocation and expression of a mutant fusion protein, the genetic alterations that promote individuals with DS-AMKL are related to the GATA1 mutations, and the formation of a truncated transcription factor (GATA1s).
The same mutations in exon 2 of GATA1 present in almost all Down Syndrome-associated transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) or transient leukemia (TL), a precursor condition that evolves into AMKL in 30% of patients, that as many as 10% of Down Syndrome children may develop.[6] The encidence for the GATA1 mutation in about 4% of Down Syndrome patients, but less than 10% of those with the mutation developed AMKL.[7] This mutation is present in the fetus, suggesting an early role in leukemogenesis. In addition to screening for TL, a GATA1 mutation at birth might serve as a bio-marker for an increased risk of DS-related AMKL.[8]
GATA1 has been shown to interact with HDAC1,[9] Histone deacetylase 5,[9] Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 16,[10] LMO2,[11] HDAC4,[9] HDAC3,[9] FLI1,[12][13] ZFPM2[14] and TAL1.[15]
|
|