The transcription factor GABP is a critical regulator of B lymphocyte development

GA binding protein (GABP) is a ubiquitously expressed Ets-family transcription factor that critically regulates the expression of the interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7R alpha) in T cells, whereas it is dispensable for IL-7R alpha expression in fetal liver B cells. Here we showed that deficiency of GABP alpha, the DNA-binding subunit of GABP, resulted in profoundly defective B cell development and a compromised humoral immune response, in addition to thymic developmental defects. Furthermore, the expression of Pax5 and Pax5 target genes such as Cd79a was greatly diminished in GABP alpha-deficient B cell progenitors, pro-B, and mature B cells. GABP could bind to the regulatory regions of Pax5 and Cd79a in vivo. Thus, GABP is a key regulator of B cell development, maturation, and function.