Expression of GM-CSF Is Regulated by Fli-1 Transcription Factor, a Potential Drug Target.

Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) is an ETS transcription factor and a critical regulator of inflammatory mediators, including MCP-1, CCL5, IL-6, G-CSF, CXCL2, and caspase-1. GM-CSF is a regulator of granulocyte and macrophage lineage differentiation and a key player in the pathogenesis of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that Fli-1 regulates the expression of GM-CSF in both T cells and endothelial cells. The expression of GM-CSF was significantly reduced in T cells and endothelial cells when Fli-1 was reduced. We found that Fli-1 binds directly to the GM-CSF promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Transient transfection assays indicated that Fli-1 drives transcription from the GM-CSF promoter in a dose-dependent manner, and mutation of the Fli-1 DNA binding domain resulted in a significant loss of transcriptional activation. Mutation of a known phosphorylation site within the Fli-1 protein led to a significant increase in GM-CSF promoter activation. Thus, direct binding to the promoter and phosphorylation are two important mechanisms behind Fli-1-driven activation of the GM-CSF promoter. In addition, Fli-1 regulates GM-CSF expression in an additive manner with another transcription factor Sp1. Finally, we demonstrated that a low dose of a chemotherapeutic drug, camptothecin, inhibited expression of Fli-1 and reduced GM-CSF production in human T cells. These results demonstrate novel mechanisms for regulating the expression of GM-CSF and suggest that Fli-1 is a critical druggable regulator of inflammation and immunity.

Fli-1 Governs Pericyte Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Sepsis.

Background: Pericytes are vascular mural cells and are embedded in the basement membrane of the microvasculature. Recent studies suggest a role for pericytes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microvascular dysfunction and mortality, but the mechanisms of pericyte loss in sepsis are largely unknown. Methods: By using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced murine model of sepsis, we observed that CLP led to lung and renal pericyte loss and reduced lung pericyte density and pericyte/endothelial cell (EC) coverage. Results: Up-regulated Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein levels were found in lung pericytes from CLP mice in vivo and in LPS-stimulated lung pericytes in vitro. Knockout of Fli-1 in Foxd1-derived pericytes prevented CLP-induced pericyte loss, vascular leak, and improved survival. Disrupted Fli-1 expression by small interfering RNA inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in cultured lung pericytes. Furthermore, CLP-induced pericyte pyroptosis was mitigated in pericyte Fli-1 knockout mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Fli-1 is a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.

Acetylation impacts Fli-1-driven regulation of granulocyte colony stimulating factor.

Fli-1 has emerged as a critical regulator of inflammatory mediators, including MCP-1, CCL5, and IL-6. The cytokine, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates neutrophil precursor maturation and survival, and activates mature neutrophils. Previously, a significant decrease in neutrophil infiltration into the kidneys of Fli-1+/- lupus-prone mice was observed. In this study, a significant decrease in G-CSF protein expression was detected in stimulated murine and human endothelial cells when expression of Fli-1 was inhibited. The murine G-CSF promoter contains numerous putative Fli-1 binding sites and several regions within the proximal promoter are significantly enriched for Fli-1 binding. Transient transfection assays indicate that Fli-1 drives transcription from the G-CSF promoter and mutation of the Fli-1 DNA binding domain resulted in a 94% loss of transcriptional activation. Mutation of a known acetylation site, led to a significant increase in G-CSF promoter activation. The histone acetyltransferases p300/CBP and p300/CBP associated factor (PCAF) significantly decrease Fli-1 specific activation of the G-CSF promoter. Thus, acetylation appears to be an important mechanism behind Fli-1 driven activation of the G-CSF promoter. These results further support the theory that Fli-1 plays a major role in the regulation of several inflammatory mediators, ultimately affecting inflammatory disease pathogenesis.

The Fli-1 transcription factor regulates the expression of CCL5/RANTES.

The friend leukemia insertion site 1 (Fli-1) transcription factor, an Ets family member, is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus in human patients and murine models of lupus. Lupus-prone mice with reduced Fli-1 expression have significantly less nephritis, prolonged survival, and decreased infiltrating inflammatory cells into the kidney. Inflammatory chemokines, including CCL5, are critical for attracting inflammatory cells. In this study, decreased CCL5 mRNA expression was observed in kidneys of lupus-prone NZM2410 mice with reduced Fli-1 expression. CCL5 protein expression was significantly decreased in endothelial cells transfected with Fli-1-specific small interfering RNA compared with controls. Fli-1 binds to endogenous Ets binding sites in the distal region of the CCL5 promoter. Transient transfection assays demonstrate that Fli-1 drives transcription from the CCL5 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. Both Ets1, another Ets family member, and Fli-1 drive transcription from the CCL5 promoter, although Fli-1 transactivation was significantly stronger. Ets1 acts as a dominant-negative transcription factor for Fli-1, indicating that they may have at least one DNA binding site in common. Systematic deletion of DNA binding sites demonstrates the importance of the sites located within a 225-bp region of the promoter. Mutation of the Fli-1 DNA binding domain significantly reduces transactivation of the CCL5 promoter by Fli-1. We identified a novel regulator of transcription for CCL5. These results suggest that Fli-1 is a novel and critical regulator of proinflammatory chemokines and affects the pathogenesis of disease through the regulation of factors that recruit inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation.

The transcription factor Fli-1 regulates monocyte, macrophage and dendritic cell development in mice.

Fli-1 belongs to the Ets transcription factor family and is expressed in haematopoietic cells, including most of the cells that are active in immunity. The mononuclear phagocytes, i.e. monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, originate in haematopoietic stem cells and play an important role in immunity. To assess the role of Fli-1 in mononuclear phagocyte development in vivo, we generated mice that express a truncated Fli-1 protein, lacking the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (Fli-1(Δ) (CTA) ). Fli-1(Δ) (CTA) (/Δ) (CTA) mice had significantly increased populations of haematopoietic stem cells and common dendritic cell precursors in bone marrow compared with wild-type littermates. Significantly increased classical dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and macrophage populations were found in spleens from Fli-1(∆) (CTA) (/∆) (CTA) mice compared with wild-type littermates. Fli-1(Δ) (CTA) (/Δ) (CTA) mice also had increased pre-classical dendritic cell and monocyte populations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, bone marrow reconstitution studies demonstrated that expression of Fli-1 in both haematopoietic cells and stromal cells affected mononuclear phagocyte development in mice. Expression of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), a haematopoietic growth factor, in multipotent progenitors was statistically significantly increased from Fli-1(∆) (CTA) (/∆) (CTA) mice compared with wild-type littermates. Fli-1 protein binds directly to the promoter region of the Flt3L gene. Hence, Fli-1 plays an important role in the mononuclear phagocyte development, and the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain of Fli-1 negatively modulates mononuclear phagocyte development.

Transcription factor Fli-1 impacts the expression of CXCL13 and regulates immune cell infiltration into the kidney in MRL/lpr mouse.

OBJECTIVE: Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) regulates chemokine/cytokine expression and thus plays an important role in the development of lupus nephritis. Chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13) is a chemokine that promotes the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures and has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. The relationship between Fli-1 and CXCL13 is unknown. This study aims to elucidate whether Fli-1 impacts CXCL13 expression and contributes to the progression of lupus-like nephritis in adult MRL/lpr mouse. METHODS: Serum CXCL13 levels were measured in adult wild-type (WT) MRL/lpr mice and Fli-1 heterozygote knockout (Fli-1+/-) MRL/lpr mice (4 months old or older) using ELISA. Renal mRNA expression (CXCL13 and related molecules) was measured using real-time PCR method. Kidneys were removed, stained and evaluated using a pathology scoring system. The grade of CXCL13 or CXC-chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5)-positive immune cell infiltration into the kidney was evaluated using immunostaining with anti-CXCL13 or anti-CXCR5 antibodies. We also used immunofluorescence staining with CXCL13- and CD11b-specific antibodies to detect the infiltration of CXCL13/CD11b double-positive immune cells. RESULTS: Serum CXCL13 levels in Fli-1+/- MRL/lpr mice were significantly lower than that in WT MRL/lpr mice (545.5 and 960.5 pg/mL, p=0.02). Renal expression of CXCL13 mRNA and SRY-related HMG box4 (Sox4) (an important factor for B-cell development) levels were significantly lower in Fli-1+/- MRL/lpr mice. Renal histology scores in WT MRL/lpr mice revealed significantly increased glomerular inflammation. Despite similar interstitial immune cell infiltration into the kidney, the number of CXCL13- and CXCR5-positive cells was significantly lower in Fli-1+/- MRL/lpr mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining revealed that Fli-1+/-MRL/lpr mice had significantly fewer CXCL13/CD11b double-positive immune cells. CONCLUSION: Fli-1 regulates renal Sox4 mRNA expression and infiltration of CXCR5-positive cells as well as CXCL13/CD11b double-positive immune cells into the kidney, which affects CXCL13 expression and lupus-like nephritis.

Role of the transcription factor Fli-1 on the CXCL10/CXCR3 Axis.

The transcription factor Fli-1, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors, is implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus disease. Reduced Fli-1 expression in lupus mice leads to decreased renal Cxcl10 mRNA levels and renal infiltrating CXCR3+ T cells that parallels reduced renal inflammatory cell infiltration and renal damage. Inflammatory chemokine CXCL10 is critical for attracting inflammatory cells expressing the chemokine receptor CXCR3. The CXCL10/CXCR3 axis plays a role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases including lupus. Our data here demonstrate that renal CXCL10 protein levels are significantly lower in Fli-1 heterozygous MRL/lpr mice compared to wild-type MRL/lpr mice. Knockdown of Fli-1 significantly reduced CXCL10 secretion in mouse and human endothelial cells, and human mesangial cells, upon LPS or TNFα stimulation. The Fli-1 inhibitor, Camptothecin, significantly reduced CXCL10 production in human monocyte cells upon interferon stimulation. Four putative Ets binding sites in the Cxcl10 promoter showed significant enrichment for FLI-1; however, FLI-1 did not directly drive transcription from the human or mouse promoters, suggesting FLI-1 may regulate CXCL10 expression indirectly. Our results also suggest that the DNA binding domain of FLI-1 is necessary for regulation of human hCXCR3 promotor activity in human T cells and interactions with co-activators. Together, these results support a role for FLI-1 in modulating the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis by directly or indirectly regulating the expression of both genes to impact lupus disease development. Signaling pathways or drugs that reduce FLI-1 expression may offer novel approaches to lupus treatment.

Fli-1 transcription factor affects glomerulonephritis development by regulating expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in endothelial cells in the kidney.

Expression of transcription factor Fli-1 is implicated in the development of glomerulonephritis. Fli-1 heterozygous knockout (Fli1(+/-)) NZM2410 mice, a murine model of lupus, had significantly improved survival and reduced glomerulonephritis. In this study, we found that infiltrated inflammatory cells were significantly decreased in the kidneys from Fli-1(+/-) NZM2410 mice. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was significantly decreased in kidneys from Fli-1(+/-) NZM2410 mice. The primary endothelial cells isolated from the kidneys of Fli-1(+/-) NZM2410 mice produced significantly less MCP-1. In endothelial cells transfected with specific Fli-1 siRNA the production of MCP-1 was significantly reduced compared to cells transfected with negative control siRNA. By Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we further demonstrated that Fli-1 directly binds to the promoter of the MCP-1 gene. Our data indicate that Fli-1 impacts glomerulonephritis development by regulating expression of inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 and inflammatory cell infiltration in the kidneys in the NZM2410 mice.

The expression of Ets-1 and Fli-1 is associated with interferon-inducible genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Transcription factors E26 transformation-specific-1 (Ets-1) and Friend leukemia insertion site-1 (Fli-1) and type I interferon (IFN) have been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the expression of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Japanese patients with SLE and analyzed their association with SLE. We enrolled 53 Japanese patients with SLE, 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 30 healthy donors (HDs) (as controls) in this study. PBMCs were collected from all participants, and the expressions of Ets-1, Fli-1, and three interferon-inducible genes (IFIGs) (interferon-inducible protein with tetratricopeptide 1 [IFIT1], interferon-inducible protein 44 [IFI44], and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2 [EIF2AK2]) were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The relationships of each molecule with clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and treatments were analyzed. The expression of Ets-1 and Fli-1 was significantly lower in the PBMCs from patients with SLE than that in the PBMCs from patients with RA and HDs. The expression of the three IFIGs was significantly higher in the PBMCs from patients with SLE than that in the PBMCs from patients with RA and HDs. For patients with SLE, significantly positive correlations were found between Ets-1 and three IFIGs; a similar trend was observed between Fli-1 and IFIGs. IFIG expression in the PBMCs was significantly higher in patients with SLE than that in other participants, and the expression of Ets-1 and Fli-1 was positively associated with IFN expression. Therefore, it was suggested that Ets-1 and Fli-1 were associated with the pathophysiology of SLE by regulating the type I IFN pathway.

Camptothecin and Topotecan, Inhibitors of Transcription Factor Fli-1 and Topoisomerase, Markedly Ameliorate Lupus Nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice and Reduce the Production of Inflammatory Mediators in Human Renal Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the therapeutic effects of camptothecin (CPT) and topotecan (TPT), inhibitors of transcription factor Fli-1 and topoisomerase, on lupus nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZBWF1) mice, and to examine the effects of CPT and TPT on inflammatory mediators in human renal cells. METHODS: Female NZBWF1 mice were treated with vehicle, cyclophosphamide (CYC), CPT (1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg), or TPT (0.03 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, or 0. 3 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection twice a week, beginning at the age of 25 weeks (n = 8-10 mice per group). Blood and urine were collected for monitoring autoantibodies and proteinuria. Mice were euthanized at 40 weeks, and renal pathology scores were assessed. Human renal endothelial and mesangial cells were treated with CPT or TPT, and cytokine expression was measured. RESULTS: None of the NZBWF1 mice treated with 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of CPT or 0.3 mg/kg of TPT had proteinuria >100 mg/dl at the age of 40 weeks. One of 8 mice treated with 0.1 mg/kg of TPT and 1 of 10 mice treated with CYC had proteinuria >300 mg/dl, whereas 90% of the mice treated with vehicle had proteinuria >300 mg/dl. Compared to vehicle control, mice treated with 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of CPT, 0.1 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/kg of TPT, or CYC had significantly prolonged survival, attenuated renal injury, diminished splenomegaly, reduced anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibody levels, and reduced IgG and C3 deposits in the glomeruli (all P < 0.05). Human renal cells treated with CPT or TPT had reduced expression of Fli-1 and decreased monocyte chemotactic protein 1 production following stimulation with interferon-α (IFNα) or IFNγ. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that low-dose CPT and TPT could be repurposed to treat lupus nephritis.

The transcription factor Fli-1 modulates marginal zone and follicular B cell development in mice.

Fli-1 belongs to the Ets transcription factor family and is expressed primarily in hematopoietic cells, including most cells active in immunity. To assess the role of Fli-1 in lymphocyte development in vivo, we generated mice that express a truncated Fli-1 protein, lacking the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (Fli-1(DeltaCTA)). Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice had significantly fewer splenic follicular B cells, and an increased number of transitional and marginal zone B cells, compared with wild-type controls. Bone marrow reconstitution studies demonstrated that this phenotype is the result of lymphocyte intrinsic effects. Expression of Igalpha and other genes implicated in B cell development, including Pax-5, E2A, and Egr-1, are reduced, while Id1 and Id2 are increased in Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice. Proliferation of B cells from Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice was diminished, although intracellular Ca(2+) flux in B cells from Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice was similar to that of wild-type controls after anti-IgM stimulation. Immune responses and in vitro class switch recombination were also altered in Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice. Thus, Fli-1 modulates B cell development both centrally and peripherally, resulting in a significant impact on the in vivo immune response.

Ets Family Transcription Factor Fli-1 Promotes Leukocyte Recruitment and Production of IL-17A in the MRL/Lpr Mouse Model of Lupus Nephritis.

The transcription factor Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli-1) regulates the expression of numerous cytokines and chemokines and alters the progression of lupus nephritis in humans and in the MRL/MpJ-Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mouse model. Th17-mediated immune responses are notably important as they promote ongoing inflammation. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of Fli-1 on expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and the infiltration of immune cells into the kidney. IL-17A concentrations were measured by ELISA in sera collected from MRL/lpr Fli-1-heterozygotes (Fli-1+/-) and MRL/lpr Fli-1+/+ control littermates. Expression of IL-17A and related proinflammatory mediators was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunofluorescence staining was performed on renal tissue from MRL/lpr Fli-1+/- and control littermates using anti-CD3, anti-CD4, and anti-IL-17A antibodies to detect Th17 cells and anti-CCL20 and anti-CD11b antibodies to identify CCL20+ monocytes. The expression of IL-17A in renal tissue was significantly reduced; this was accompanied by decreases in expression of IL-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and IL-1ß. Likewise, we detected fewer CD3+IL-17+ and CD4+IL-17+ cells in renal tissue of MLR/lpr Fli-1+/- mice and significantly fewer CCL20+CD11b+ monocytes. In conclusion, partial deletion of Fli-1 has a profound impact on IL-17A expression and on renal histopathology in the MRL/lpr mouse.

Fli-1 transcription factor regulates the expression of caspase-1 in lung pericytes.

Our previous data demonstrated that Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte loss and vascular dysfunction in cecal ligation and puncture-induced murine sepsis by regulating essential pyroptosis markers including caspase-1. However, whether Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression levels in vitro and how Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 remain unknown. Our present work further demonstrated that overexpressed Fli-1 significantly increased caspase-1 and IL-18 expression levels in cultured mouse lung pericytes. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been found to induce cell pyroptosis through transferring LPS intracellularly. Using OMVs to induce an in vitro model of pyroptosis, we observed that OMVs significantly increased protein levels of Fli-1 in mouse lung pericytes. Furthermore, knockdown of Fli-1 by siRNA blocked OMVs-induced caspase-1, caspase-11 and IL-18 expression levels. As caspase-1 was predicted as a potential target of Fli-1, we cloned murine caspase-1 promoter into a luciferase construct. Our data demonstrate for the first time that Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression by directly binding to its promoter regions measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase reporter system. In summary, our findings demonstrated a novel role and mechanism of Fli-1 in regulating caspase-1 expression in lung pericytes.

A role for Fli-1 in B cell proliferation: implications for SLE pathogenesis.

Transgenic overexpression of Fli-1 in normal mice leads to SLE-like disease and increased expression was reported in SLE-affected human and murine lymphocytes. Reducing Fli-1 expression in MRL/lpr mice decreased antibody production, proteinuria, renal pathology, and mortality. Compared to those with wild-type expression of Fli-1, we report here that proliferative responses of Fli-1-deficient naïve B cells to several mitogens were reduced in lupus-prone and control mice. Expression of mitogen receptors, including BCR, TLR4, and TLR9, was not significantly impacted in Fli-1-deficient naïve B cells. IL12a transcripts were upregulated and NFAT transcripts were downregulated in Fli-1-deficient MRL/lpr B cells. These results demonstrate that Fli-1 deficiency affects B cell proliferative responses to mitogens, independent of BCR and TLR expression. IL12a and NFAT, known to influence proliferation, were identified as potential mediators of this effect. This may be a mechanism by which overexpression of Fli-1 contributes to B cell hyperactivity and subsequent SLE pathogenesis.

The Fli-1 transcription factor is a critical regulator for controlling the expression of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 2 (CXCL2).

Mammalian cells produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to innate immune signals and their expression is tightly regulated. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2), also known as macrophage inflammatory protein 2-alpha (MIP2-alpha), is an inflammatory chemokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. CXCL2 is chemotactic for neutrophils and elevated expression of CXCL2 is associated with many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The Fli-1 gene belongs to the large Ets transcription factor family, whose members regulate a wide variety of cellular functions including the immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that endothelial cells transfected with Fli-1 specific siRNA produce significantly less CXCL2 compared to cells transfected with control siRNA after stimulation by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligands, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The production of CXCL2 in endothelial cells stimulated with LPS stimulation is dose-dependent. We found that Fli-1 binds to the CXCL2 promoter as established by Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Transient transfection assays show that Fli-1 drives transcription from the CXCL2 promoter in a dose-dependent manner and Fli-1 regulates the expression of CXCL2 largely by directly binding to the promoter. Targeted knockdown and transient transfection experiments suggest that both Fli-1 and the p65 subunit of NF-κB affect the activation of CXCL2 in an additive manner. These results indicate that Fli-1 is a novel, critical transcription factor that regulates the expression of the inflammatory chemokine CXCL2.

The FLI-1 transcription factor is a short-lived phosphoprotein in T cells.

The FLI-1 transcription factor is a member of the ETS gene family, most closely related to ERG. In this study, the FLI-1 protein products were characterized using a specific monoclonal antibody previously developed against bacterially expressed protein. In the human T-cell line Jurkat, both isoforms of FLI-1, p51 and p48, are phosphorylated, primarily on serine residues. FLI-1 phosphorylation is increased by a Ca(2+)-mediated process, and inhibitor studies indicate that protein phosphatase 2A, at least in part, controls FLI-1 phosphorylation level. FLI-1 phosphorylation is not stimulated by phorbal 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, and in this it differs from ERG protein phosphorylation. The p51 isoform has a half-life of 105 min, and p48 has a half-life of 80 min; in contrast, the ERG protein is much more stable with a half-life of 21 h. Newly synthesized FLI-1 protein decreased during human T cell activation. Our data suggest that although the FLI-1 and ERG genes are highly homologous, their distinct properties may contribute to their different roles in gene regulation.

Fli-1 controls transcription from the MCP-1 gene promoter, which may provide a novel mechanism for chemokine and cytokine activation.

Regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines is a primary role of the innate immune response. MCP-1 is a chemokine that recruits immune cells to sites of inflammation. Expression of MCP-1 is reduced in primary kidney endothelial cells from mice with a heterozygous knockout of the Fli-1 transcription factor. Fli-1 is a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, which are evolutionarily conserved across several organisms including Drosophilla, Xenopus, mouse and human. Ets family members bind DNA through a consensus sequence GGAA/T, or Ets binding site (EBS). Fli-1 binds to EBSs within the endogenous MCP-1 promoter by ChIP assay. In this study, transient transfection assays indicate that the Fli-1 gene actively promotes transcription from the MCP-1 gene promoter in a dose-dependent manner. Mutation of the DNA binding domain of Fli-1 demonstrated that Fli-1 activates transcription of MCP-1 both directly, by binding to the promoter, and indirectly, likely through interactions with other transcription factors. Another Ets transcription factor, Ets-1, was also tested, but failed to promote transcription. While Ets-1 failed to drive transcription independently, a weak synergistic activation of the MCP-1 promoter was observed between Ets-1 and Fli-1. In addition, Fli-1 and the NFκB family member p65 were found to interact synergistically to activate transcription from the MCP-1 promoter, while Sp1 and p50 inhibit this interaction. Deletion studies identified that EBSs in the distal and proximal MCP-1 promoter are critical for Fli-1 activation from the MCP-1 promoter. Together, these results demonstrate that Fli-1 is a novel regulator of the proinflammatory chemokine MCP-1, that interacts with other transcription factors to form a complex transcriptional mechanism for the activation of MCP-1 and mediation of the inflammatory response.

A critical role of the transcription factor fli-1 in murine lupus development by regulation of interleukin-6 expression.

OBJECTIVE: The Fli-1 transcription factor is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), both in humans and in animal models. Dysregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is also associated with SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Fli-1 directly regulates the expression of IL-6. METHODS: Sera were collected from wild-type and Fli-1-heterozygous (Fli-1(+/-) ) MRL/lpr mice, and the concentration of IL-6 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of IL-6 in the kidney was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. T cells were isolated from wild-type and Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice and stimulated with CD3/CD28 beads, and the concentration of IL-6 in the supernatants was measured by ELISA. MS1 endothelial cells were transfected with Fli-1 and control small interfering RNA, and the production of IL-6 was compared after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to determine whether Fli-1 binds to the IL-6 promoter region. Transient transfections with the NIH3T3 cell line were performed to examine whether Fli-1 regulates the expression of IL-6. RESULTS: Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice had significantly decreased IL-6 levels in sera and reduced expression of IL-6 in kidneys as compared to their wild-type littermates. T cells isolated from Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice produced less IL-6 than did those from wild-type mice. Inhibiting the expression of Fli-1 in endothelial cells resulted in reduced production of IL-6. The ChIP assay revealed direct binding of Fli-1 to 3 regions within the IL-6 promoter. Fli-1 activated transcription from the IL-6 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The direct regulation of IL-6 expression by Fli-1 represents one possible mechanism for the protective effect of decreased Fli-1 expression in lupus.

Thrombocytopenia in mice lacking the carboxy-terminal regulatory domain of the Ets transcription factor Fli1.

Targeted disruption of the Fli1 gene results in embryonic lethality. To dissect the roles of functional domains in Fli1, we recently generated mutant Fli1 mice that express a truncated Fli1 protein (Fli1(ΔCTA)) that lacks the carboxy-terminal regulatory (CTA) domain. Heterozygous Fli1(ΔCTA) mice are viable, while homozygous mice have reduced viability. Early postnatal lethality accounts for 30% survival of homozygotes to adulthood. The peripheral blood of these viable Fli1(ΔCTA)/Fli1(ΔCTA) homozygous mice has reduced platelet numbers. Platelet aggregation and activation were also impaired and bleeding times significantly prolonged in these mutant mice. Analysis of mRNA from total bone marrow and purified megakaryocytes from Fli1(ΔCTA)/Fli1(ΔCTA) mice revealed downregulation of genes associated with megakaroyctic development, including c-mpl, gpIIb, gpIV, gpIX, PF4, NF-E2, MafG, and Rab27B. While Fli1 and GATA-1 synergistically regulate the expression of multiple megakaryocytic genes, the level of GATA-1 present on a subset of these promoters is reduced in vivo in the Fli1(ΔCTA)/Fli1(ΔCTA) mice, providing a possible mechanism for the impared transcription observed. Collectively, these data showed for the first time a hemostatic defect associated with the loss of a specific functional domain of the transcription factor Fli1 and suggest previously unknown in vivo roles in megakaryocytic cell differentiation.

Decreased expression of the Ets family transcription factor Fli-1 markedly prolongs survival and significantly reduces renal disease in MRL/lpr mice.

Increased Fli-1 mRNA is present in PBLs from systemic lupus erythematosus patients, and transgenic overexpression of Fli-1 in normal mice leads to a lupus-like disease. We report in this study that MRL/lpr mice, an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus, have increased splenic expression of Fli-1 protein compared with BALB/c mice. Using mice with targeted gene disruption, we examined the effect of reduced Fli-1 expression on disease development in MRL/lpr mice. Complete knockout of Fli-1 is lethal in utero. Fli-1 protein expression in heterozygous MRL/lpr (Fli-1(+/-)) mice was reduced by 50% compared with wild-type MRL/lpr (Fli-1(+/+)) mice. Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice had significantly decreased serum levels of total IgG and anti-dsDNA Abs as disease progressed. Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice had significantly increased splenic CD8(+) and naive T cells compared with Fli-1(+/+) MRL/lpr mice. Both in vivo and in vitro production of MCP-1 were significantly decreased in Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice. The Fli-1(+/-) mice had markedly decreased proteinuria and significantly lower pathologic renal scores. At 48 wk of age, survival was significantly increased in the Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice, as 100% of Fli-1(+/-) MRL/lpr mice were alive, in contrast to only 27% of Fli-1(+/+) mice. These findings indicate that Fli-1 expression is important in lupus-like disease development, and that modulation of Fli-1 expression profoundly decreases renal disease and improves survival in MRL/lpr mice.