Gata1s mutant mice display persistent defects in the erythroid lineage

Abstract

GATA1 mutations that result in loss of the N-terminal 83 amino acids are a feature of myeloid leukemia in children with Down syndrome (ML-DS), rare familial cases of dyserythropoietic anemia, and a subset of cases of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA). The Gata1s mouse model, which expresses only the short GATA1 isoform that begins at methionine 84, has been shown to have a defect in hematopoiesis, specially impaired erythropoiesis with expanded megakaryopoiesis, during gestation. However, the mice were reported to not show any post-natal phenotype. Here we demonstrate that Gata1s mutant mice display macrocytic anemia and features of aberrant megakaryopoiesis throughout life, culminating in profound splenomegaly and bone marrow fibrosis. These data support the use of this animal model for studies of GATA1 deficiencies.