Runx1 function in hematopoiesis is required in cells that express Tek

Runx1 expression marks the putative hemogenic endothelium between embryonic days (E) 8.5 to 11.5 of mouse gestation and is required for the formation of intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters, leading to the hypothesis that Runx1 is required for the transition from endothelial to hematopoietic cell. To address this hypothesis, we ablated the Runx1 gene by Cre-recombinase-mediated excision, with Cre expression under the control of the Tek promoter and enhancer. Most embryos died between E12.5 and El with a phenotype almost identical Runx1 deficiency. We conclude that Runx1 function in establishing definitive hematopoiesis is required in a Tek(+) cell.