GM-CSF-mediated granulopoiesis is regulated by the transcription factor STAT5A/B

GM-CSF controls the development of granulocytes but little is known about the contribution of the downstream mediating transcription factor STAT5A/B. To elucidate this pathway, we generated mice lacking the Stat5a and 5b genes in blood cells. Peripheral neutrophils were decreased and administration of 5-FU and GM-CSF failed to induce granulopoiesis in Stat5a/b-mutant mice. GMPs were isolated and cultured with GM-CSF. Both the number and size of STAT5A/B-null colonies were reduced and GM-CSF-induced survival of mature STAT5A/B-null neutrophils was impaired. Time-lapse cinematography and single cell tracking of GMPs revealed that STAT5A/B-null cells were characterized by a longer generation time and an increased cell death. Gene expression profiling experiments suggested that STAT5A/B directs GM-CSF signaling through the regulation of cell survival genes.

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