NF-kB signaling in the control of Hematopoiesis

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Project Summary: NF-κB signaling pathway is one of the most extensively studied and understood pathways, however, the physiological impact of augmented NF-κB signaling in hematopoiesis has not been understood. Despite many recent studies documenting constitutive activation of NF-κB in patients with hematological disorders, including AML and MDS, it is remains unclear if constitutive NF-κB signaling is sufficient and/or necessary for the onset of the disease. Recently, we have shown that lack of A20 (a negative regulator of NF-κB) in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) causes loss of quiescence and severe hematologic abnormalities, due to constitutive NF-κB activation. In an attempt to decipher the role of NF-κB in HSCs, directly , we engineered mice to constitutively activate NF-κB in HSCs. Our preliminary data indicate that HSC quiescence and pool were completely lost, and that increased NF-κB signal alone was sufficient to disturb the transcriptional regulatory circuits of HSCs. In the proposed research, we would like to decode the potential molecular mechanisms through which increased NF-κB signals affect HSC biology. Our hypothesis is that deregulated canonical NF-κB signals impair hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and functions by altering signal transduction pathways, `transcription factor networks' and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To test this hypothesis, we will use a combination of genetic, molecular cell biology and biochemical approaches. In specific aim 1, we will decipher the intrinsic mechanisms through which NF-κB affects HSC functions. In specific aim 2, we will unravel the extrinsic role of NF-κB in the control of HSCs. In specific aim 3, we would generate a novel humanized mouse model and decode the involvement of NF-κB signals in human HSC biology. We believe that the proposed research will provide key insights into the pathologic processes involving deregulated NF-κB signals, and will aid the development of newer and more successful therapies for human hematologic diseases that arise due to constitutive NF-κB activation.