KLF1/EKLF expression in acute leukemia is correlated with chromosomal abnormalities

Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2020 Jul:83:102434. doi: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2020.102434. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Abstract

KLF1 (EKLF) is a master regulator of erythropoiesis and controls expression of a wide array of target genes. We interrogated human tissue microarray samples via immunohistological analysis to address whether levels of KLF1 protein are associated with leukemia. We have made the unexpected findings that higher KLF1 levels are correlated with cells containing abnormal chromosomes, and that high KLF1 expression is not limited to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with erythroid/megakaryoblastic differentiation. Expression of KLF1 is associated with poor survival. Further analyses reveal that KLF1 directly regulates a number of genes that play a role in chromosomal integrity. Together these results suggest that monitoring KLF1 levels may provide a new marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with AML.

Keywords: EKLF/KLF1; Erythropoiesis; Leukemia; Tissue microarrays; Transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic*
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / analysis
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • erythroid Kruppel-like factor