Zfp263 is a transcriptional checkpoint of neutrophil development

During development neutrophils undergo extensive changes in nuclear morphology, gene expression programmes, and acquire specific effector functions. However, molecular mechanisms controlling neutrophil development remain largely unknown. Here we systematically analysed changes in gene expression and chromatin landscape across stages of neutrophil differentiation, to construct a network of transcription factors, predicted to control neutrophil development and acquisition of functions. Zinc finger protein 263 (Zfp263) emerged at the apex of this network. Neutrophil maturation ex vivo and in vivo was blocked in cells lacking Zfp263 and accelerated if its levels were induced. Mechanistically, Zfp263 acts as a direct transcriptional repressor of the ERK1/2 pathway, that supports the proliferative capacity of neutrophil progenitors and limits their differentiation into mature cells. Blocking ERK1/2 signalling in the Zfp263 deficient cells using chemical inhibitors, rescues neutrophil differentiation. Other targets of Zfp263 include genes involved in neutrophil migration, cytokine and chemokine expression, reactive oxygen species and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Thus, our study outlines a framework for modulation of neutrophil development and / or function, aimed at neutrophil-mediated diseases.