c-myb hyperactivity leads to myeloid and lymphoid malignancies in zebrafish

The c-MYB transcription factor is a key regulator of hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation, and dysregulation of c-MYB activity often associates with various hematological disorders. Yet, its pathogenic role remains largely unknown due to lack of suitable animal models. Here, we report a detail characterization of a c-myb-gfp transgenic zebrafish harboring c-Myb hyperactivity (named c-myb^hyper). This line exhibits abnormal granulocyte expansion that resembles human myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) from embryonic stage to adulthood. Strikingly, a small portion of c-myb^hyper adult fish develops acute myeloid leukemia-like or acute lymphoid leukemia-like disorders with age. The myeloid and lymphoid malignancies in c-myb^hyper adult fish are likely caused by the hyperactivity of c-myb, resulting in the dysregulation of a number of cell-cycle-related genes and hyperproliferation of hematopoietic precursor cells. Finally, treatment with c-myb target drug flavopiridol can relieve the MDS-like symptoms in both c-myb^hyper embryos and adult fish. Our study establishes a zebrafish model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying c-Myb-associated leukemogenesis as well as for anti-leukemic drug screening.