The roles of RUNX1 in megakaryocyte differentiation in myeloid leukemia.

Runt-related transcription factor 1/acute myeloid leukemia 1 (RUNX1/AML1) is essential for the generation of myeloid progenitor cells and differentiation of megakaryocytes (MKs). During megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation, RUNX1 forms transcriptional complexes with transcription factors such as GATA-1, Ets-1, Fli-1, and NF-E2 to promote platelet production. Disruption of RUNX1 is implicated in hematopoietic neoplasms like familial platelet disorder (FPD/AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we review the transcriptional regulation of RUNX1 in megakaryocyte differentiation of normal individuals and myeloid leukemia patients. We also summarize post-translational modifications (PTMs) of RUNX1 and discuss their potential implications for novel RUNX1-directed leukemia therapies.