mi-Transcription factor as a regulator of mast cell differentiation

Masts cells are progeny of the hematopoietic stem cell. For the differentia tion of mast cells, a transcription factor encoded by the mouse mi locus (M ITF) plays an important role. The expression of many genes encoding protein s that are essential for the function of mast cells is regulated by MITF Be cause various mutant mice are available at the mi locus and because culture d mast cells are easily obtained from the spleen of these mutant mice, this system may be a good model for studying the regulation of hematopoietic ce ll differentiation by a transcription factor. Int J Hematol. 2000;71:197-20 2 (C) 2000 The Japanese Society of Hematology.