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Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Nov 2023Glucocorticoids are widely known for their immunomodulatory action. Their synthetic analogs are used to treat several autoimmune diseases, including immune...
BACKGROUND
Glucocorticoids are widely known for their immunomodulatory action. Their synthetic analogs are used to treat several autoimmune diseases, including immune thrombocytopenia. However, their efficacy and mechanisms of action in immune thrombocytopenia are not fully understood.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the mechanism of glucocorticoid actions on platelet production.
METHODS
The actions of glucocorticoids on platelet production were studied combining in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches.
RESULTS
Dexamethasone reduced bleeding in mice and rapidly increased circulating young platelet counts. In vitro glucocorticoid treatment stimulated proplatelet formation by megakaryocytes and platelet-like particle release. This effect was blocked by glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486, indicating a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent mechanism. Genome-wide analysis revealed that dexamethasone regulates the expression of >1000 genes related to numerous cellular functions, including predominant cytoplasm and cytoskeleton reorganization. Dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids induced the expression of Gda (the gene encoding guanine deaminase), which has been reported to have a role in dendrite development. Inhibition of guanine deaminase enzymatic activity blocked dexamethasone stimulation of proplatelet formation, implicating a critical role for this enzyme in glucocorticoid-mediated platelet production.
CONCLUSION
Our findings identify glucocorticoids as new regulators of thrombopoiesis.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Megakaryocytes; Thrombopoiesis; Glucocorticoids; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Guanine Deaminase; Transcriptome; Blood Platelets; Thrombocytopenia; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 37336437
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.012 -
BMC Cancer May 2023Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) leads to dose reduction and treatment...
BACKGROUND
Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) leads to dose reduction and treatment delays, lowering chemotherapy efficacy and survival rate. Thus, rapid recovery and continuous maintenance of platelet count during chemotherapy cycles are crucial in patients with CIT. Thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor, myeloid proliferative leukemia (MPL) protein, play a major role in platelet production. Although several MPL agonists have been developed to regulate thrombopoiesis, none have been approved for the management of CIT due to concerns regarding efficacy or safety. Therefore, the development of effective MPL agonists for treating CIT needs to be further expanded.
METHODS
Anti-MPL antibodies were selected from the human combinatorial antibody phage libraries using phage display. We identified 2R13 as the most active clone among the binding antibodies via cell proliferation assay using BaF3/MPL cells. The effect of 2R13 on megakaryocyte differentiation was evaluated in peripheral blood CD34 cells by analyzing megakaryocyte-specific differentiation markers (CD41a and CD42b) and DNA ploidy using flow cytometry. The 2R13-induced platelet production was examined in 8- to 10-week-old wild-type BALB/c female mice and a thrombocytopenia mouse model established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg). The platelet counts were monitored twice a week over 14 days post-initiation of treatment with a single injection of 2R13, or recombinant human TPO (rhTPO) for seven consecutive days.
RESULTS
We found that 2R13 specifically interacted with MPL and activated its signaling pathways. 2R13 stimulated megakaryocyte differentiation, evidenced by increasing the proportion of high-ploidy (≥ 8N) megakaryocytes in peripheral blood-CD34 cells. The platelet count was increased by a single injection of 2R13 for up to 14 days. Injection of 5-fluorouracil considerably reduced the platelet count by day 4, which was recovered by 2R13. The platelets produced by 2R13 sustained a higher count than that achieved using seven consecutive injections of rhTPO.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that 2R13 is a promising therapeutic agent for CIT treatment.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Humans; Female; Receptors, Thrombopoietin; Blood Platelets; Thrombopoiesis; Antibodies; Recombinant Proteins; Antigens, CD34; Fluorouracil; Thrombocytopenia; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 37259024
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10975-3 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2023Megakaryocytes are the main members of the hematopoietic system responsible for regulating vascular homeostasis through their progeny platelets, which are generally... (Review)
Review
Megakaryocytes are the main members of the hematopoietic system responsible for regulating vascular homeostasis through their progeny platelets, which are generally known for maintaining hemostasis. Megakaryocytes are characterized as large polyploid cells that reside in the bone marrow but may also circulate in the vasculature. They are generated directly or through a multi-lineage commitment step from the most primitive progenitor or Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) in a process called "megakaryopoiesis". Immature megakaryocytes enter a complicated development process defined as "thrombopoiesis" that ultimately results in the release of extended protrusions called proplatelets into bone marrow sinusoidal or lung microvessels. One of the main mediators that play an important modulatory role in hematopoiesis and hemostasis is nitric oxide (NO), a free radical gas produced by three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase within the mammalian cells. In this review, we summarize the effect of NO and its signaling on megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Topics: Animals; Megakaryocytes; Nitric Oxide; Blood Platelets; Thrombopoiesis; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Mammals
PubMed: 37175857
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098145 -
Research Square Apr 2023Previous studies have shown that human platelets and megakaryocytes carry microRNAs suggesting their role in platelet function and megakaryocyte development,...
Previous studies have shown that human platelets and megakaryocytes carry microRNAs suggesting their role in platelet function and megakaryocyte development, respectively. However, a comprehensive study on the microRNAs and their targets has not been undertaken. Zebrafish thrombocytes could be used as a model to study their role in megakaryocyte maturation and platelet function because thrombocytes have both megakaryocyte features and platelet properties. In our laboratory, we identified 15 microRNAs in thrombocytes using single-cell RNA sequencing. We knocked down each of these 15 microRNAs by the piggyback method and found knockdown of three microRNAs, , and in adult zebrafish led to an increase in the percentage of thrombocytes. Functional thrombocyte analysis using plate tilt assay showed no modulatory effect of the three microRNAs on thrombocyte aggregation/agglutination. We also found enhanced thrombosis using arterial laser thrombosis assay in a group of zebrafish larvae after , and knockdowns. These results suggested , and are repressors for thrombocyte production. We then explored miRWalk database for downstream targets and then selected those that are expressed in thrombocytes, and from this list based on their role in differentiation selected 14 genes, , and that encode transcriptional regulators. The qRT-PCR analysis of expression levels of the above genes following knockdown showed changes in the expression of 13 targets. We then studied the effect of the 13 targets on thrombocyte production and identified 5 genes, , and that showed thrombocytosis and one gene, that showed thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, we tested whether regulates any of the above 13 transcription factors after knockdown using qRT-PCR. Six of the 13 genes showed similar gene expression as observed with knockdown and 7 genes showed opposing results. Thus, our results suggested a possible regulatory network in common with both and . We also identified that , , and play a role in thrombopoiesis. Since the gene showed a differential expression profile in and knockdowns but resulted in thrombocytopenia in knockdown in both adults and larvae we also studied an mutant and showed the mutant had thrombocytopenia. Taken together, these studies showed that thrombopoiesis is controlled by a network of transcription regulators that are regulated by multiple microRNAs in both positive and negative manner resulting in overall inhibition of thrombopoiesis.
PubMed: 37162944
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2807790/v1 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2023Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological disease caused by many factors. It usually complicates critical diseases and increases morbidity and mortality. The treatment...
BACKGROUND
Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological disease caused by many factors. It usually complicates critical diseases and increases morbidity and mortality. The treatment of thrombocytopenia remains a great challenge in clinical practice, however, its treatment options are limited. In this study, the active monomer xanthotoxin (XAT) was screened out to explore its medicinal value and provide novel therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
The effects of XAT on megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation were detected by flow cytometry, Giemsa and phalloidin staining. RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways. The signaling pathway and transcription factors were verified through WB and immunofluorescence staining. Tg (cd41: eGFP) transgenic zebrafish and mice with thrombocytopenia were used to evaluate the biological activity of XAT on platelet formation and the related hematopoietic organ index in vivo.
RESULTS
XAT promoted the differentiation and maturation of Meg-01 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, XAT could stimulate platelet formation in transgenic zebrafish and recover platelet production and function in irradiation-induced thrombocytopenia mice. Further RNA-seq prediction and WB verification revealed that XAT activates the IL-1R1 target and MEK/ERK signaling pathway, and upregulates the expression of transcription factors related to the hematopoietic lineage to promote megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet formation.
CONCLUSION
XAT accelerates megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation to promote platelet production and recovery through triggering IL-1R1 and activating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, providing a new pharmacotherapy strategy for thrombocytopenia.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Thrombopoiesis; Blood Platelets; Megakaryocytes; Methoxsalen; Zebrafish; Thrombocytopenia; Transcription Factors; Signal Transduction; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
PubMed: 37156117
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114811 -
Nature Communications Apr 2023Megakaryocytes (MK) generate platelets. Recently, we and others, have reported MK also regulate hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Here we show high ploidy large...
Megakaryocytes (MK) generate platelets. Recently, we and others, have reported MK also regulate hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Here we show high ploidy large cytoplasmic megakaryocytes (LCM) are critical negative regulators of HSC and critical for platelet formation. Using a mouse knockout model (Pf4-Srsf3) with normal MK numbers, but essentially devoid of LCM, we demonstrate a pronounced increase in BM HSC concurrent with endogenous mobilization and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Severe thrombocytopenia is observed in animals with diminished LCM, although there is no change in MK ploidy distribution, uncoupling endoreduplication and platelet production. When HSC isolated from a microenvironment essentially devoid of LCM reconstitute hematopoiesis in lethally irradiated mice, the absence of LCM increases HSC in BM, blood and spleen, and the recapitulation of thrombocytopenia. In contrast, following a competitive transplant using minimal numbers of WT HSC together with HSC from a microenvironment with diminished LCM, sufficient WT HSC-generated LCM regulates a normal HSC pool and prevents thrombocytopenia. Importantly, LCM are conserved in humans.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Megakaryocytes; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Blood Platelets; Thrombopoiesis; Hematopoiesis; Thrombocytopenia; Disease Models, Animal; Ploidies; Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors
PubMed: 37055407
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37780-7 -
Nature Communications Apr 2023Thrombocytopenia is a major complication in a subset of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, little is known about its development and significance during MM....
Thrombocytopenia is a major complication in a subset of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, little is known about its development and significance during MM. Here, we show thrombocytopenia is linked to poor prognosis in MM. In addition, we identify serine, which is released from MM cells into the bone marrow microenvironment, as a key metabolic factor that suppresses megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. The impact of excessive serine on thrombocytopenia is mainly mediated through the suppression of megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation. Extrinsic serine is transported into MKs through SLC38A1 and downregulates SVIL via SAM-mediated tri-methylation of H3K9, ultimately leading to the impairment of megakaryopoiesis. Inhibition of serine utilization or treatment with TPO enhances megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis and suppresses MM progression. Together, we identify serine as a key metabolic regulator of thrombocytopenia, unveil molecular mechanisms governing MM progression, and provide potential therapeutic strategies for treating MM patients by targeting thrombocytopenia.
Topics: Humans; Bone Marrow; Thrombopoiesis; Multiple Myeloma; Thrombocytopenia; Bone Marrow Cells; Megakaryocytes; Blood Platelets; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37055385
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37699-z -
Blood Advances Aug 2023Erythrocytes undergo a well-defined switch from fetal to postnatal circulation, which is mainly reflected by the stage-specific expression of hemoglobin chains....
Erythrocytes undergo a well-defined switch from fetal to postnatal circulation, which is mainly reflected by the stage-specific expression of hemoglobin chains. Perinatal alterations in thrombopoiesis are poorly understood. We assessed the ontogenesis of platelet phenotype and function from early prematurity to adulthood. We recruited 64 subjects comprising 7 extremely preterm (27-31 weeks gestational age), 25 moderately preterm (32-36 weeks), 10 term neonates, 8 infants (<2 years), 5 children (2-13 years), and 9 adults (>13 years). Blood was withdrawn at up to 3 different time points in neonates (t1: 0-2, t2: 3-7, and t3: 8-14 days after birth). We found that the expression levels of the major surface receptors for fibrinogen, collagen, vWF, fibronectin, and laminin were reduced but correlated with decreased platelet size, indicating a normal surface density. Although CD62P and CD63 surface exposure upon stimulation with TRAP-6, ADP, or U46619 was unaltered or only slightly reduced in neonates, GPIIb/IIIa inside-out and outside-in activation was blunted but showed a continuous increase until adulthood, correlating with the expression of the GPIIb/IIIa regulating tetraspanin CD151. Platelet subpopulation analysis using automated clustering revealed that neonates presented with a CD63+/PAC-1- pattern, followed by a continuous increase in CD63+/PAC-1+ platelets until adulthood. Our findings revealed that the number of platelet-monocyte and platelet-neutrophil aggregates, but not platelet-lymphocyte aggregates, is increased in neonates and that neonatal aggregate formation depends in part on CD62P activation. Our PLatelets In Neonatal Infants Study (PLINIUS) provides several lines of evidence that the platelet phenotype and function evolve continuously from neonates to adulthood.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Blood Platelets; Platelet Activation; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; Infant, Premature; 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid
PubMed: 37042931
DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009824 -
Biological Research Mar 2023Splenectomy may lead to severe postoperative complications, including sepsis and cancers. A possible solution to this problem is heterotopic autotransplantation of the...
BACKGROUND
Splenectomy may lead to severe postoperative complications, including sepsis and cancers. A possible solution to this problem is heterotopic autotransplantation of the spleen. Splenic autografts rapidly restore the regular splenic microanatomy in model animals. However, the functional competence of such regenerated autografts in terms of lympho- and hematopoietic capacity remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to monitor the dynamics of B and T lymphocyte populations, the monocyte-macrophage system, and megakaryocytopoiesis in murine splenic autografts.
METHODS
The model of subcutaneous splenic engraftment was implemented in C57Bl male mice. Cell sources of functional recovery were studied using heterotopic transplantations from B10-GFP donors to C57Bl recipients. The cellular composition dynamics were studied by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Expression of regulatory genes at mRNA and protein levels was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively.
RESULTS
Characteristic splenic architecture is restored within 30 days post-transplantation, consistent with other studies. The monocyte-macrophage system, megakaryocytes, and B lymphocytes show the highest rates, whereas the functional recovery of T cells takes longer. Cross-strain splenic engraftments using B10-GFP donors indicate the recipient-derived cell sources of the recovery. Transplantations of scaffolds populated with splenic stromal cells or without them afforded no restoration of the characteristic splenic architecture.
CONCLUSIONS
Allogeneic subcutaneous transplantation of splenic fragments in a mouse model leads to their structural recovery within 30 days, with full reconstitution of the monocyte-macrophage, megakaryocyte and B lymphocyte populations. The circulating hematopoietic cells provide the likely source for the cell composition recovery.
Topics: Male; Mice; Animals; Spleen; Transplantation, Autologous; Splenectomy; T-Lymphocytes; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 36991509
DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00427-4 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Protein glycosylation, including sialylation, involves complex and frequent post-translational modifications, which play a critical role in different biological... (Review)
Review
Protein glycosylation, including sialylation, involves complex and frequent post-translational modifications, which play a critical role in different biological processes. The conjugation of carbohydrate residues to specific molecules and receptors is critical for normal hematopoiesis, as it favors the proliferation and clearance of hematopoietic precursors. Through this mechanism, the circulating platelet count is controlled by the appropriate platelet production by megakaryocytes, and the kinetics of platelet clearance. Platelets have a half-life in blood ranging from 8 to 11 days, after which they lose the final sialic acid and are recognized by receptors in the liver and eliminated from the bloodstream. This favors the transduction of thrombopoietin, which induces megakaryopoiesis to produce new platelets. More than two hundred enzymes are responsible for proper glycosylation and sialylation. In recent years, novel disorders of glycosylation caused by molecular variants in multiple genes have been described. The phenotype of the patients with genetic alterations in and is consistent with syndromic manifestations, severe inherited thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhagic complications.
Topics: Humans; Glycosylation; Thrombocytopenia; Blood Platelets; Megakaryocytes; Thrombopoiesis; Thrombopoietin; Nucleotide Transport Proteins
PubMed: 36982178
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065109