RUNX1 Isoforms Regulate RUNX1 and Target-Genes Differentially in Platelets-Megakaryocytes: Association with Clinical Cardiovascular Events

BackgroundHematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1 is expressed from proximal P2 and distal P1 promoter to yield isoforms RUNX1 B and C, respectively. The roles of these isoforms in RUNX1 autoregulation and downstream-gene regulation in megakaryocytes and platelets are unknown. ObjectivesTo understand the regulation of RUNX1 and its target genes by RUNX1 isoforms. MethodsWe performed studies on RUNX1 isoforms in megakaryocytic HEL cells and HeLa cells (lack endogenous RUNX1), in platelets from 85 healthy volunteers administered aspirin or ticagrelor, and on the association of RUNX1 target genes with acute events in 587 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). ResultsIn chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase promoter assays, RUNX1 isoforms B and C bound and regulated P1 and P2 promoters. In HeLa cells RUNX1B decreased and RUNX1C increased P1 and P2 activities, respectively. In HEL cells, RUNX1B overexpression decreased RUNX1C and RUNX1A expression; RUNX1C increased RUNX1B and RUNX1A. RUNX1B and RUNX1C regulated target genes (MYL9, F13A1, PCTP, PDE5A and others) differentially in HEL cells. In platelets RUNX1B transcripts (by RNAseq) correlated negatively with RUNX1C and RUNX1A; RUNX1C correlated positively with RUNX1A. RUNX1B correlated positively with F13A1, PCTP, PDE5A, RAB1B, and others, and negatively with MYL9. In our previous studies, RUNX1C transcripts in whole blood were protective against acute events in CVD patients. We found that higher expression of RUNX1 targets F13A1 and RAB31 associated with acute events. ConclusionsRUNX1 isoforms B and C autoregulate RUNX1 and regulate downstream genes in a differential manner and this associates with acute events in CVD. Scientific categoryPlatelets EssentialsO_LIRUNX1 is expressed from 2 promoters (P1 and P2) to yield isoforms RUNX1C and RUNX1B. C_LIO_LIRUNX1B and RUNX1C regulate RUNX1 and target genes differentially in megakaryocytes/platelets. C_LIO_LIIn platelets RUNX1B and RUNX1C expression is inversely related and ticagrelor increases RUNX1C C_LIO_LIRUNX1 target gene (F13A1, RAB31) expression in blood is associated with death or MI in cardiac disease. C_LI