A network including TGFβ/Smad4, Gata2, and p57 regulates proliferation of mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a potent inhibitor of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation. However, the precise mechanism for this effect is unknown. Here, we have identified the transcription factor Gata2, previously described as an important regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function, as an early and direct target gene for TGF beta-induced Smad signaling in hematopoietic progenitor cells. We also report that Gata2 is involved in mediating a significant part of the TGF beta response in primitive hematopoietic cells. Interestingly, the cell cycle regulator and TGF beta signaling effector molecule p57 was found to be up regulated as a secondary response to TGF beta. We observed Gata2 binding upstream of the p57 genomic locus, and importantly, loss of Gata2 abolished TGF beta-stimulated induction of p57 as well as the resulting growth arrest of hematopoietic progenitors. Our results connect key molecules involved in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and reveal a functionally relevant network, regulating proliferation of primitive hematopoietic cells. Copyright (C) 2016 ISEH - International Society for Experimental Hematology. Published by Elsevier Inc.