Splenomegaly and Modified Erythropoiesis in KLF13–/– Mice

Abstract To study the function of the Kruppel-like transcription factor KLF13 in vivo, we generated mice with a disrupted Klf13 allele. Although Klf13–/– mice are viable, fewer mice were present at 3 weeks than predicted by Mendelian inheritance. Viable Klf13–/– mice had reduced numbers of circulating erythrocytes and a larger spleen. The spleen contained an increased number of Ter119medCD71hi, Ter119hiCD71hi, and Ter119hiCD71med cells but not Ter119hiCD71– cells, indicating an increase in less mature erythroblasts. A higher proportion of the Ter119medCD71hi cells were proliferating, indicating that the mice were under a degree of erythropoietic stress. These data indicate that KLF13 is involved in the normal control of erythropoiesis.