Essential role of the RNA-binding protein HuR in progenitor cell survival in mice.

ABSTRACT: The RNA-binding protein HuR (also known as ELAV1) binds to the 3'-untranslated region of mRNAs and regulates transcript stability and translation. However, the in vivo functions of HuR are not well understood. Here, we report that murine HuR is essential for life; postnatal global deletion of Elavl1 induced atrophy of hematopoietic organs, extensive loss of intestinal villi, obstructive enterocolitis, and lethality within 10 days. Upon Elavl1 deletion, progenitor cells in the BM, thymus, and intestine underwent apoptosis, whereas quiescent stem cells and differentiated cells were unaffected. The survival defect of hematopoietic progenitor cells was cell intrinsic, as transplant of Elavl1-/- BM led to compromised hematopoietic reconstitution but did not cause lethality. Expression of p53 an

SUBMITTER: Ghosh M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2786787 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature