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Methodologic approaches for investigating human megakaryocyte development at a molecular level.
1Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
New molecular tools enable the study of megakaryocyte (MK) development. Growth factors impact gene expression in human MKs, paving the way for deeper understanding of MK development.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Extracellular regulators of megakaryocyte (MK) development are increasingly understood.
- Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cytokine action require further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the utility of novel molecular micromethodologies for studying MK development.
- To investigate the effects of growth factors on gene expression in human MKs.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides
Main Results:
- Growth factors exhibit complex, time- and concentration-dependent effects on gene expression.
- These effects were observed in morphologically recognizable human MKs derived from hematopoietic cells.
Conclusions:
- Modern molecular micromethodologies are effective for studying normal human hematopoietic cells and MKs.
- A comprehensive molecular understanding of normal MK development is becoming achievable.