Gene regulatory networks that orchestrate the development of B lymphocyte precursors.

The B cell developmental pathway represents a leading model within the hematopoietc system for the analysis of gene regulatory networks, which orchestrate cell fate specification and commitment. Considerable progress is being made in the characterization of regulatory components that comprise such networks and examining their connectivity. These components include the cytokine receptors Flk2 and IL-7R as well as the transcription factors PU.1, Ikaros, E2A, EBF and Pax-5. We review recent experimental evidence concerning the molecular functions of these regulatory components and attempt to connect them in sequentially acting and inter-dependent regulatory modules.