Macrophage-specific gene functions in Spi1-directed innate immunity
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ABSTRACT: The Spi1/ Pu.1 transcription factor plays a crucial role in myeloid cell development across many species. Several Spi1 target genes have been identified so far, yet the Spi1-dependent gene group remains largely unknown. To identify novel genes downstream of Spi1 we employed a microarray strategy using zebrafish embryos. We established the gene group down-regulated upon spi1 knockdown while simultaneously enriched in FACS-sorted embryonic myeloid cells of a spi1:GFP transgenic line, thus representing putative myeloid-specific Spi1 target genes. This gene group contained all previously identified Spi1-dependent zebrafish genes, confirming the validity of the approach, as well as novel immune-related genes. Colocalization studies with neutrophil and macrophage markers revealed that genes cxcr3.2, mpeg1, ptpn6 and mfap4 were expressed specifically in early embryonic macrophages. The analysis of adult zebrafish hematopoietic tissue showed that genes mfap4 and mpeg1 remained macrophage specific within the myeloid fraction throughout zebrafish life. We also demonstrated that gene cxcr3.2, coding for chemokine receptor 3.2, functions in macrophage migration to the site of bacterial infection. These results establish a myeloid-specific gene group dependent on Spi1 in zebrafish and identify novel early macrophage-specific marker genes, which will facilitate further studies of macrophage development and innate immune function.
ORGANISM(S): Danio rerio
PROVIDER: GSE19206 | GEO | 2010/04/30
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA120815
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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