Fig 8. Model.

(A) Depiction of expression of clusters Q and R genes in Foxo3 ^-/- versus wild type erythroblasts. Cluster Q is enriched for nucleosome assembly, heme biosynthesis, and DNA packaging-related processes while cluster R is enriched for autophagy and catabolic processes. (B) Model for gene expression in terminally maturing erythroblasts. Complexes of core erythroid transcription factors regulate the genetic programs required for maturation of the initial erythroblast stages. These transcription factor complexes may also induce Foxo3 expression in immature erythroblasts. In turn, FOXO3 cooperates with these factors to sustain and/or enhance the erythroid transcriptional program during the later stages of terminal maturation.