The early growth response factor-1 is involved in stem cell factor (SCF)-induced interleukin 13 production by mast cells, but is dispensable for SCF-dependent mast cell growth

The stem cell factor (SCF) plays a central role in the regulation of mast cell function and growth. However, roles of transcription factors involved in these processes remain incompletely defined. The early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) is a member of the zinc finger transcription factor family. A role for Egr-1 in SCF-induced mast cell activation and growth was investigated in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). The stimulation of BMMC with SCF induced a strong expression of Egr-1 mRNA. SCF-induced Egr-1 nuclear translocation and DNA binding were demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and immunofluorescence assay. SCF-induced IL-13 expression was significantly reduced at both mRNA and protein levels in Egr-1-deficient BMMC. In addition, the synergy between IgE and SCF on IL-13 and IL-4 production was reduced in Egr-1-deficient mast cells. Interestingly, Egr-1 deficiency had little effect on SCF-induced mast cell growth. SCF-induced Egr activation likely requires tyrosine phosphorylation because a tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 blocked SCF-induced nuclear protein binding to Egr probe as determined by EMSA. Thus, Egr-1 is required for SCF-induced IL-13 expression, but not mast cell growth. Egr-1 represents a novel mechanism for SCF-induced mast cell activation.