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The Transcription Factor ZEB2 Is Required to Maintain the Tissue-Specific Identities of Macrophages

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Heterogeneity between different macrophage populations has become a defining feature of this lineage. However, the conserved factors defining macrophages remain largely unknown. The transcription factor ZEB2 is best described for its role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition; however, its role within the immune system is only now being elucidated. We show here that Zeb2 expression is a conserved feature of macrophages. Using Clec4f-cre, Itgax-cre, and Fcgr1-cre mice to target five different macrophage populations, we found that loss of ZEB2 resulted in macrophage disappearance from the tissues, coupled with their subsequent replenishment from bone-marrow precursors in open niches. Mechanistically, we found that ZEB2 functioned to maintain the tissue-specific identities of macrophages. In Kupffer cells, ZEB2 achieved this by regulating expression of the transcription factor LXRα removal of which recapitulated the loss of Kupffer cell identity and disappearance. Thus, ZEB2 expression is required in macrophages to preserve their tissue-specific identities. Scott et al. demonstrate that ZEB2 is critical for maintaining the tissue identities of macrophages. Loss of ZEB2 results in tissue-specific changes in different macrophage populations and their subsequent disappearance. In Kupffer cells, ZEB2 maintains LXRα expression, loss of which reproduces the change in Kupffer cell identity and their disappearance.

Journal: Immunity
ISSN: 1074-7613
Issue: 2
Volume: 49
Pages: 312-325.e5
Publication year:2018
Keywords:Clec4f-cre, Fcgr1-cre, Identity, LXRα, Macrophage, Transcription Factor, ZEB2
BOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:10
CSS-citation score:4
Authors:International
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open