Formation of transcription factor complexes during embryonic erythroid development

Abstract

Hematopoiesis is a classic model for the study of embryonic and adult stem cell differentiation. Erythropoiesis is the process of generating erythrocytes from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). In Chapter1, we introduce the process of erythropoiesis and discuss proteins and protein complexes that are essential for this process. In order to identify the temporal and spatial formation of LDB1 protein complexes, in Chapter2, we applied a new technology, the proximity ligation assay (PLA), to detect the protein complexes in fetal liver cells during embryonic development and in in vitro ES cell differentiation. In Chapter 3, we found that CDC73, a component of RNA Polymerase II associated factor complex (PAF1), can bind to LMO2 which is a component of LDB1 complex, suggesting it may be a link between the transcription factor LDB1 complex and the RNA polymerase II machinery. In Chapter4, we conclude our current results and discuss the future direction on LDB1 complex research