Abstract 2583 Epigenetic regulation of integrin alpha 4 transcription in leukemia

IKAROS is a DNA-binding protein, encoded by the IKZF1 gene. Loss of IKAROS function in human leukemia due to deletion or functional inactivation, results in high-risk, drug-resistant leukemia, which has a poor prognosis. IKAROS binds to promoters of its target genes and regulates their transcription via chromatin remodeling. The mechanisms through which IKAROS regulates leukemia progression and drug resistance are still not known. The objective of the study is to identify novel IKAROS target genes which regulate leukemia progression and drug resistance and to dissect the mechanisms through which IKAROS regulates transcription of those genes.