Chromatin regulation by AML1 complex

The AML1 gene is the most frequent target of chromosomal translocations in acute leukemias. AML1 is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and regulates transcription of its target genes by binding to the specific DNA sequence. AML1 forms large multiprotein complexes including CBFβ as a "core component" as well as several classes of chromatin modulators such as p300/CBP, MOZ, PML and HIPK2 as "regulatory complex". In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which AML1 complex regulates gene transcription and hematopoiesis, and its disruption by the leukemia-associated chromosomal translocations that affect genes for components of AML1 complex in view of deregulation of chromatin structure.