Expression data from primary sqWAT-MSC cells from mouse

GATA2 is a transcription factor that is required for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. GATA2 is also expressed in mesenchymal cells and blocks differentiation of both white and brown adipocytes by interfering with C/EBP activity and PPAR expression. By studying genome-wide binding sites of endogenous GATA2 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we discovered a previously unrecognized function of GATA2 in the regulation of skeletal development-related genes. In contrast to hematopoietic stem cells, canonical GATA2 binding motifs in MSCs co-localized with motifs for transcription factors of the FOX and HOX family, known regulators of skeletal development. Consistently, ectopic GATA2 expression in MSCs regulated many osteoblast-related genes. Ectopic GATA2 blocked, whereas GATA2 deletion enhanced differentiation of osteoblastic precursors. GATA2 expression inhibited bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 induced SMAD1/5/8 activity, a pathway that drives osteoblastogenesis. MSC-specific deletion of GATA2 in mice affected both numbers and osteogenic potential of bone-residing precursors without disturbing normal skeletal development. In adult mice, MSC-specific GATA2 deficiency affected trabecular bone structure and its mechanical properties. blood phenotype? In summary, our study identified GATA2 as a novel regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone morphology, suggesting a role of GATA2 in MSC lineage determination that goes beyond adipocyte differentiation.

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Tolkachov A, Fischer C, Ambrosi TH, Bothe M, Han CT, Muenzner M, Mathia S, Salminen M, Seifert G, Thiele M, Duda GN, Meijsing SH, Sauer S, Schulz TJ, Schupp M