Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells
Published on: December 27, 2017
Lactoferrin inhibits platelet production from human megakaryocytes in vitro
Kuniko Matsumura-Takeda1, Tatsuhiro Ishida, Shinji Sogo
1Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan. kuniko_m_t@research.otsuka.co.jp
Abstract:
The mechanism of megakaryopoiesis, proplatelet formation (PPF) and platelet (PLT) production is not fully elucidated. Lactoferrin (LF) has been reported to have many biological functions including cell proliferation and differentiation, and the LF receptor is present on megakaryocytic cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of human LF (hLF) on PLT production from primary megakaryocytes (MKs). At first, we developed a PLT production system derived from human CD34+ cells by thrombopoietin (TPO) stimulation. Because the number of proplatelets, PLTs and CD41+ MKs was remarkably increased after day 5, we employed the TPO-induced CD34+ cells on day 5. Then, the effect of hLF on PLT production from human primary MKs was examined. In the range of 3-30 micrg/ml, hLF significantly inhibited PLT production up to about 60%. However, it did not significantly change the intensity of CD41 expression in MKs and the ploidy of MKs. In addition, it did not inhibit MK progenitors. These results suggest that LF directly inhibits PLT production from matured MKs, but does not inhibit megakaryopoiesis, including proliferation/maturation processes.
Insights
Human lactoferrin (hLF) inhibits platelet production from mature megakaryocytes by up to 60%. This study found hLF does not affect megakaryopoiesis, including cell proliferation and maturation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Megakaryopoiesis, proplatelet formation (PPF), and platelet (PLT) production mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- Lactoferrin (LF) exhibits diverse biological functions, including roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, with its receptor expressed on megakaryocytic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of human lactoferrin (hLF) on platelet production from primary human megakaryocytes (MKs).
Main Methods:
- A system for PLT production from human CD34+ cells stimulated by thrombopoietin (TPO) was established.
- TPO-induced CD34+ cells on day 5, showing increased proplatelets, PLTs, and CD41+ MKs, were used to examine hLF's effects.
- hLF was applied in concentrations ranging from 3-30 µg/ml.
Main Results:
- hLF significantly inhibited PLT production by approximately 60% within the tested concentration range.
- hLF did not significantly alter CD41 expression intensity or ploidy in MKs.
- hLF did not inhibit MK progenitors, indicating no impact on early megakaryopoiesis.
Conclusions:
- hLF directly inhibits platelet production from mature megakaryocytes.
- hLF does not inhibit megakaryopoiesis, including the proliferation and maturation stages of MK development.
More Related Videos
06:57Leukodepletion Filters-Derived CD34+ Cells As a Cell Source to Study Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation
Published on: May 20, 2021
07:53Megakaryocyte Culture in 3D Methylcellulose-Based Hydrogel to Improve Cell Maturation and Study the Impact of Stiffness and Confinement
Published on: August 26, 2021
