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Elf1 Deficiency Impairs Macrophage Development in Zebrafish Model Organism

Authors: 
Tan Q, Wang J, Hao Y, Yang S, Cao B, Pan W, Cao M
Citation: 
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(6):2537. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062537
Abstract: 
The Ets (E-twenty-six) family of transcription factors plays a critical role in hematopoiesis and myeloid differentiation. However, the specific functions of many family members in these processes remain largely underexplored and poorly understood. Here, we identify Elf1 (E74-like factor 1), an Ets family member, as a critical regulator of macrophage development in the zebrafish model organism, with minimal impact on neutrophil differentiation. Through morpholino knockdown screening and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we demonstrate that Elf1 is critical for macrophage development and tissue injury responses. Specific overexpression of dominant-negative Elf1 (DN-Elf1) in macrophages demonstrated a cell-autonomous effect on macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, the overexpression of cxcr4b, a gene downstream of Elf1 regulation and essential for cell migration and injury response, significantly rescued this defect, indicating Elf1 as a key regulator of macrophage function. Our findings shed light on the roles of Elf1 in macrophage development and injury response and also highlight zebrafish as a powerful model for immunity research.
Epub: 
Not Epub
Organism or Cell Type: 
zebrafish
Delivery Method: 
microinjection