Loss of HSC stemness identity is associated with exhaustion and hyporesponsiveness in GATA2 deficiency syndrome

Abstract

Germline GATA2 mutations lead to a syndrome involving both immunodeficiency and myeloid malignancies. Since GATA2 is a key player in hematopoietic initiation and development, we specify the impact of these germline mutations on hematopoietic homeostasis by generated a knock-in mouse model expressing the recurrent Gata2 R396Q missense mutation. These mice exhibit a hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment profoundly impacted with increased HSC number, decreased self-renewal potential and inability to respond to acute inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, mutated HSPCs are predisposed to be hyporesponsive, as evidenced by lower interferon signaling and enrichment of inflammatory stress signatures. Furthermore, a Gata2 allelic specific expression results in a molecular and functional heterogeneity of the mutated Long Term-HSC population. Altogether, we highlight that Gata2 plays a crucial role in the ability of HSCs to perceive and respond to their environment, and that germline mutation contributes to the decline in HSC functionality.