Description
Erg is an ETS family transcription factor frequently overexpressed in human leukemias and has been implicated as a key regulator of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However how Erg controls normal hematopoiesis, particularly at the stem cell level, remains poorly understood. Using homologous recombination, we generated an Erg knockdown allele (Ergkd) in which Erg expression can be restored upon Cre-mediated excision of a Stopper cassette. In Ergkd/+ mice, ~40% reduction in Erg dosage perturbed both fetal liver and bone marrow hematopoiesis by reducing the numbers of Lin-Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and megakaryocytic progenitors.