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Activin A/erythroid differentiation factor is induced during human monocyte activation.
M Erämaa1, M Hurme, U H Stenman
1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Human monocytes produce activin A/erythroid differentiation factor (EDF) when activated by lipopolysaccharide or vitamin D. This protein, derived from monocyte/macrophages, may influence hematopoiesis and other cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Activin A/erythroid differentiation factor (EDF) is a polypeptide hormone regulating hematopoietic progenitor and erythroleukemia cell growth and differentiation.
- Human peripheral blood monocytes are identified as a natural source of activin A/EDF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of activin A/EDF expression in activated human monocytes.
- To confirm the presence and release of functional activin A/EDF by these cells.
Main Methods:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were used to activate monocytes.
- Quantitative analysis of beta A subunit mRNA expression.
- Western blot analysis with an anti-beta A antibody.
- Erythroid differentiation bioassay.
Main Results:
- LPS rapidly induced beta A subunit mRNA expression via protein kinase C-dependent transcriptional regulation.
- 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 also increased beta A subunit mRNA expression.
- Conditioned media from LPS-activated monocytes contained detectable activin A/EDF protein, confirmed by Western analysis and bioassay.
Conclusions:
- Activated human peripheral blood monocytes are a source of activin A/EDF.
- Monocyte/macrophage-derived activin A/EDF may play a role in modulating hematopoiesis.
- This cytokine could act as a mediator in various physiological and pathological processes involving monocytes/macrophages.