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Megakaryocyte pathology and bone marrow fibrosis: the lysyl oxidase connection

Nikolaos Papadantonakis1, Shinobu Matsuura, Katya Ravid

  • 1Department of Medicine, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA. kravid@bu.edu

Blood
|July 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Megakaryocytes (MKs) contribute to myelofibrosis, a condition causing fibrosis in blood cancers. The protein lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a newly identified role in MK proliferation and fibrosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Megakaryocytes (MKs), the precursors to platelets, undergo DNA replication during their cell cycle.
  • MKs are implicated in mediating fibrosis in certain hematologic malignancies, such as acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms.
  • The precise mechanisms driving fibrosis in these conditions are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the role of MKs in myelofibrosis progression.
  • To highlight the newly identified contribution of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MKs, fibrosis, and lysyl oxidase (LOX).

Main Results:

  • Lysyl oxidase (LOX) has been recently implicated in MK proliferation, DNA content changes (ploidy), and extracellular matrix deposition.
  • LOX is known for its role in cross-linking collagen and elastin, contributing to tissue structure.
  • LOX is increasingly recognized as a regulator in various pathological conditions, including cancer and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Megakaryocytes (MKs) are key players in the development of myelofibrosis.
  • Lysyl oxidase (LOX) emerges as a significant factor in MK-driven fibrosis, warranting further investigation.

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