Platelet protein kinase C-theta deficiency with human RUNX1 mutation: PRKCQ is a transcriptional target of RUNX1.

OBJECTIVE

Mutations in the hematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1 cause thrombocytopenia and impaired platelet function. In a patient with a heterozygous mutation in RUNX1, we have described decreased platelet pleckstrin phosphorylation and protein kinase C- (PKC-, gene PRKCQ) associated with thrombocytopenia, impaired platelet aggregation, and dense granule secretion. Little is known regarding regulation of PKC- in megakaryocytes and platelets. We have addressed the hypothesis that PRKCQ is a direct transcriptional target of RUNX1.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using megakaryocytic cells, there was RUNX1 binding in vivo to PRKCQ promoter region -1225 to -1056 bp containing a RUNX1 consensus site ACCGCA at -1088 to -1069 bp; an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed RUNX1 binding to the specific site. In RUNX1 overexpression studies, PKC- protein expression and promoter activity were enhanced; mutation of RUNX1 site showed decreased activity even with RUNX1 overexpression. Lastly, PRKCQ promoter activity and PKC- protein were decreased by short interfering RNA knockdown of RUNX1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide the first evidence that PRKCQ is regulated at the transcriptional level by RUNX1 in megakaryocytic cells and a mechanism for PKC- deficiency associated with RUNX1 haplodeficiency.