Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Mouse Fetal Liver Culture System to Dissect Target Gene Functions at the Early and Late Stages of Terminal Erythropoiesis
Published on: September 9, 2014
EKLF and KLF2 have compensatory roles in embryonic beta-globin gene expression and primitive erythropoiesis
Priyadarshi Basu1, Tina K Lung, Wafaa Lemsaddek
1Department of Human Genetics, and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
Abstract:
The Krüppel-like C2/H2 zinc finger transcription factors (KLFs) control development and differentiation. Erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF or KLF1) regulates adult beta-globin gene expression and is necessary for normal definitive erythropoiesis. KLF2 is required for normal embryonic Ey- and betah1-, but not adult betaglobin, gene expression in mice. Both EKLF and KLF2 play roles in primitive erythroid cell development. To investigate potential interactions between these genes, EKLF/KLF2 double-mutant embryos were analyzed. EKLF(-/-)KLF2(-/-) mice appear anemic at embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) and die before E11.5, whereas single-knockout EKLF(-/-) or KLF2(-/-) embryos are grossly normal at E10.5 and die later than EKLF(-/-)KLF2(-/-) embryos. At E10.5, Ey- and betah1-globin mRNA is greatly reduced in EKLF(-/-)KLF2(-/-), compared with EKLF(-/-) or KLF2(-/-) embryos, consistent with the observed anemia. Light and electron microscopic analyses of E9.5 EKLF(-/-)KLF2(-/-) yolk sacs, and cytospins, indicate that erythroid and endothelial cells are morphologically more abnormal than in either single knockout. EKLF(-/-)KLF2(-/-) erythroid cells are markedly irregularly shaped, suggesting membrane abnormalities. EKLF and KLF2 may have coordinate roles in a common progenitor to erythroid and endothelial cells. The data indicate that EKLF and KLF2 have redundant functions in embryonic beta-like globin gene expression, primitive erythropoiesis, and endothelial development.
Related Concept Videos
General Transcription Factors
Transcription Factors
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Erythropoiesis
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Master Transcription Regulators

