Deleting an Nr4a1 Super-Enhancer Subdomain Ablates Ly6C^low Monocytes while Preserving Macrophage Gene Function.

ABSTRACT: Mononuclear phagocytes are a heterogeneous family that occupy all tissues and assume numerous roles to support tissue function and systemic homeostasis. Our ability to dissect the roles of individual subsets is limited by a lack of technologies that ablate gene function within specific mononuclear phagocyte sub-populations. Using Nr4a1-dependent Ly6C^low monocytes, we present a proof-of-principle approach that addresses these limitations. Combining ChIP-seq and molecular approaches we identified a single, conserved, sub-domain within the Nr4a1 enhancer that was essential for Ly6C^low monocyte development. Mice lacking this enhancer lacked Ly6C^low monocytes but retained Nr4a1 gene expression in macrophages during steady state and in response to LPS. Because Nr4a1 regulates inflammatory gene expression and differentiation of Ly6C^low monocytes, decoupling these processes allows Ly6C^low monocytes to be studied independently.

SUBMITTER: Thomas GD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5694686 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature