Transactivation of erythroid transcription factor GATA-1 by a myb-ets-containing retrovirus

ME26 virus is a recombinant mouse retrovirus construct homologous to the avian E26 virus. Both encode a 135-kDa gag-myb-ets fusion protein which is localized in the nucleus. We have recently shown that ME26 virus can induce erythropoietin (Epo) responsiveness in hematopoietic cells. Mice infected with ME26 virus develop a hyperplasia of Epo-dependent hematopoietic precursor cells from which permanent cell lines can be established. In vitro, ME26 virus specifically induces Epo responsiveness in the interleukin-3-dependent myeloid cell line FDC-P2 by enhancing expression of the Epo receptor (EpoR). In the present study we demonstrate that ME26 virus infection of FDC-P2 cells also results in enhanced expression of beta-globin and the erythroid-specific transcription factor GATA-1, a protein which can transactivate both the EpoR promoter and globin genes. In addition, these cells exhibit a down-regulation of c-myb expression similar to that seen in differentiating erythroid cells. To determine the molecular basis for activation of erythroid genes in ME26 virus-infected cells, we carried out transient expression assays with DNA constructs of either the EpoR promoter of the GATA-1 promoter linked to reporter genes. Our results indicate that while ME26 virus did not directly enhance expression from the EpoR promoter, both it and its avian parent, E26, transactivated the GATA-1 promoter. Furthermore, ME26 virus cooperates with the GATA-1 protein to enhance expression of the EpoR gene. We propose that the mechanism by which ME26 virus induces erythroleukemia involves transactivation of the GATA-1 gene, thus positively regulating the expression of the EpoR and leading to the proliferation of a unique population of Epo-responsive cells. By specifically inducing Epo responsiveness in hematopoietic cells via transactivation of a transcription factor, ME26 virus utilizes a novel mechanism for retrovirus pathogenesis.