Mzf1 controls cell proliferation and tumorigenesis

Abstract

MZF1 is a transcription factor belonging to theKrüppelfamily of zinc finger proteins, expressed in totipotent hemopoietic cells as well as in myeloid progenitors. Here we have inactivatedMzfi1by gene targeting.Mzf1^−/−mice develop lethal neoplasias characterized by the infiltration and complete disruption of the liver architecture by a monomorphic population of cells of myeloid origin reminiscent of human chloromas.Mzf1inactivation results in a striking increase of the autonomous cell proliferation and of the ability ofMzf1^−/−hemopoietic progenitors to sustain long-term hemopoiesis. These findings demonstrate that Mzf1 can act as a tumor/growth suppressor in the hemopoietic compartment.