Preclinical biology of megakaryocyte growth and development factor: a summary

Since the discovery of the ligand for the cytokine receptor c-Mpl, much has transpired. The development of this protein has been rapid, and the amount of information available on the effects of this molecule in vitro and in vivo is vast. This paper will highlight some of the major studies and observations which are part of the ongoing pre-clinical development of the megakaryocyte growth and development factor encoding the erythropoietin-like domain of the c-Mpl ligand. A summary of in vitro effects on human cells, as well as the key in vivo observations, are included. This molecule is currently in clinical trials, and the initial results are promising.