Regulation of the transcription factor GATA-1 at the gene and protein level

GATA-1, an important hematopoietic transcription factor, plays a critical role in differentiation and maturation of erythroid and megakaryocytic cell lines. GATA-1 appears to serve as a factor for virtually all characterized erythroid and megakaryocytic-expressed genes. Thus, defining the mechanisms by which the GATA-1 gene and protein are regulated should provide important clues regarding the establishment of erythroid and megakaryocytic programs of gene expression in committed cells and their maintenance thereafter in maturing precursors. This review focuses on the regulation of GATA-1 expression and elucidates the regulation of GATA-1 at the gene and protein levels. Such research is expected to provide insights into the mechanisms involved in hematopoietic commitment.