Apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondrion-associated 2, regulates Klf1 in a mouse erythroleukemia cell line

Background/Aim: Apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondrion-associated 2 (Aifm2), is a DNA-binding oxoreductase protein that promotes apoptosis. To assess its potential role in erythropoiesis we analyzed the effects of Aifm2 loss-of-function in the murine erythroleukemia line (MEL). Materials and Methods: MEL cells were transfected with siRNA targeting Aifm2 for 24 h and evaluated by cell counting, flow cytometry with annexin V and PI staining and gene expression analysis. Results: Aifm2 knockdown did not affect the apoptotic status of MEL cells. However, Aifm2 knockdown significantly increased expression of the erythropoietic transcription factor Klf1 (2.9?}0.2-fold, p<0.05) and decreased α- And β-globin expression (0.6?}0.2-fold, p<0.05 and 0.5?}0.2-fold, p<0.01). Conclusion: Aifm2 may function in differentiation of erythroid MEL cells in vitro.