Expression of the KLF1 interactome in an erythrocytic differentiation model

Abstract

Erythroid Krüppel-like factor 1 or KLF1 is a DNA binding transcription factor that has a very important role in the foetal to adult haemoglobin switching. For this project the expression of this transcription factor was explored in human immortalised myelogenous leukaemia K562 cell lines. The expression of both beta and gamma globin genes was also investigated by qPCR analysis, which was essential for studying the effect of K562 on the expression of these genes. K562 cells were grown in culture for a few days before their differentiation was initiated by the addition of hemin. The differentiation of the K562 cells led to the expression of KLF1 which was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis done on both hemin induced and non-induced cells. In addition to the flow cytometry analysis, RNA extraction and qPCR analysis was done to measure the expression of the KLF1, Gamma globin and Beta globin genes. It was concluded, that the KLF1 had an effect on the expression of both the Gamma and Beta globin genes indicating the importance of this transcription factor in haemoglobin switching and regulation. KLF1 is therefore essential to prevent haemoglobinopathies that could be brought about by abnormal levels of haemoglobin, or abnormal types of haemoglobin.