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How does an emerging transcriptional programme regulate individual genes as stem cells undergo lineage commitment, differentiation and maturation? To answer this, we have analysed the dynamic protein/DNA interactions across 130 kb of chromatin containing the mouse alpha-globin cluster in cells representing all stages of differentiation from stem cells to mature erythroblasts. The alpha-gene cluster appears to be inert in pluripotent cells, but priming of expression begins in multipotent haemopoietic progenitors via GATA-2. In committed erythroid progenitors, GATA-2 is replaced by GATA-1 and binding is extended to additional sites including the alpha-globin promoters. Both GATA-1 and GATA-2 nucleate the binding of various protein complexes including SCL/LMO2/E2A/Ldb-1 and NF-E2. Changes in protein/DNA binding are accompanied by sequential alterations in long-range histone acetylation and methylation. The recruitment of polymerase II, which ultimately leads to a rapid increase in alpha-globin transcription, occurs late in maturation. These studies provide detailed evidence for the more general hypothesis that commitment and differentiation are primarily driven by the sequential appearance of key transcriptional factors, which bind chromatin at specific, high-affinity sites.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/sj.emboj.7600274

Type

Journal article

Journal

EMBO J

Publication Date

21/07/2004

Volume

23

Pages

2841 - 2852

Keywords

Acetylation, Animals, Binding Sites, Cell Differentiation, Cell Lineage, Chromatin, DNA Polymerase II, DNA-Binding Proteins, Erythroid Precursor Cells, Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors, GATA1 Transcription Factor, GATA2 Transcription Factor, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Globins, Hematopoiesis, Histones, L Cells, Methylation, Mice, Models, Biological, NF-E2 Transcription Factor, NF-E2 Transcription Factor, p45 Subunit, Nuclear Proteins, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Proteins, Transcription Factors, Transcriptional Activation, Zinc Fingers