The goal of this proposal for activafing the independent phase (ROO) stays the same as that of the original proposal for the award, i.e., to generate a novel and Integrated view ofthe mechanisms of hematopoietic precursor self-renewal and differentiation using EML (erythroid, myeloid, and lymphocytic) multipotenfial cells as a model system. EML cells are ideal for studying the molecular control of eariy hematopoietic differentiation at a large scale. EML cells give rise to the self-renewing CD34+ precursor cells and partially differenfiated non-renewing CD34- cells. Large quantities of EML cells can be grown and differentiated in vitro in the absence of an anatomical niche. Based on my K99 phase of study in differenfial gene expression, and of transcription factor binding using Chip-Sequencing, I hypothesize that there are key regulators in transcriptional regulatory networks determining the choice between EML cell self-renewal and differentiation, such as TCF7 and RUNX1. I have already constmcted preliminary transcripfional regulatory circuits regulated by TCF7 and RUNXI. For my ROO phase of research, 1 plan to globally identify the key transcriptional regulators controlling EML cell self-renewal and differenfiafion by using gene expression and proteomic data to guide the transcripfional regulafion work. The binding targets and transcription factors will be assembled into regulatory networks and I will identify target hubs and test for master regulators. Subsequenfiy I will integrate our genomic, proteomics, phosphorylafion data and literature into the transcripfion factor binding networks and further develop a global interaction network. Finally I will confirm key findings in human primary cells. The proposed project can lead to molecular and biochemical studies in my own lab for many years to come.
These studies in EML cells will demonstrate fundamental properties of self-renewal and differenfiafion mechanisms available to stem cells which hold great promise in repairing or regenerating damaged fissues and organs. Molecular understanding gained through this study will hopefully improve Durability to direct hematopoiefic stem cell (HSC) fate by, for example, replicafing and differenfiafing HSCs in vitro. Therefore, this study is highly valuable for public health and therapeutic purposes.
