Wdr5 is essential for fetal erythropoiesis and hematopoiesis

WDR5 is a highly conserved protein that performs multiple scaffolding functions in the context of chromatin. However, efforts to understand the function of WDR5 in normal tissues physiologically are quite limited so far. In our study, we explored the function of Wdr5 in erythropoiesis and hematopoiesis by using a hematopoietic-specific Wdr5 knockout mouse model. We found that loss of Wdr5 mediated by Vav-iCre leads to embryonic lethality with defective erythropoiesis. In addition, Wdr5-deficiency completely impairs the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells function and might alter the immunophenotype of these stem cells and progenitors by decreasing c-Kit expression. Collectively, we identified the pivotal role of Wdr5 in fetal hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis as the de novo findings.

Automated summary

By using a hematopoietic-specific Wdr5 knockout mouse model, we found that the loss of Wdr5 leads to embryonic lethality and impairs the function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Additionally, it may alter the immunophenotype of these cells by decreasing c-Kit expression. Overall, we identified the crucial role of Wdr5 in fetal hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis as novel findings.