The cyclin D1 carboxyl regulatory domain controls the division and differentiation of hematopoietic cells

Background: The family of D cyclins has a fundamental role in cell cycle progression, but its members (D1, D2, D3) are believed to have redundant functions. However, there is some evidence that contradicts the notion of mutual redundancy and therefore this concept is still a matter of debate. Results: Our data show that the cyclin D1 is indispensable for normal hematopoiesis. Indeed, in the absence of D1, either in genetic deficient mice, or after acute ablation by RNA interference, cyclins D2 and D3 are also not expressed preventing hematopoietic cell division and differentiation at its earliest stage. This role does not depend on the cyclin box, but on the carboxyl regulatory domain of D1 coded by exons 4-5, since hematopoietic differentiation is also blocked by the conditional ablation of this region. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that not all functions of individual D cyclins are redundant and highlight a master role of cyclin D1 in hematopoiesis.