Chromatin regulation by RUNX1

The transcription factor RUNX1 is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and is required for the expression of a number of important hematopoietic regulator genes. It was recently shown that RUNX1 acts within a narrow developmental window during which it cannot be replaced by other members of the RUNX transcription factor family. Studies of the molecular basis of this phenomenon revealed that RUNX1 is required for the opening of chromatin of important hematopoietic regulator genes and for the formation, but not the maintenance of stable transcription factor complexes on these genes. However, the chromatin opening activity of RUNX1 is context dependent, indicating that it cooperates with alternate transcription factors at different stages of hematopoietic development. This review summarizes recent results on the regulation of chromatin structure by RUNX1 in developing hematopoietic cells.