Erythropoietin-induced differentiation of Rauscher erythroleukemia cells

We have shown morphologic and biochemical evidence for erythroid differentiation in the erythropoietin-responsive cell line Rauscher murine erythroleukemia. These cells synthesize adult and presumably embryonic hemoglobin in response to erythropoietin and dimethyl sulfoxide. Clear differences are observed in some clones between different inducers. The molecular basis for these differences, which may relate to differential modes of inducer action, must be clarified. These cells possess a functional beta-adrenergic receptor/adenylyl cyclase complex remarkably similar to that found on erythrocytes of several species. The receptor density is up-regulated specifically by erythropoietin and, as such, is the first description of membrane receptor regulation by this hormone. Thus, we now have the opportunity to investigate the development of the receptor-cyclase complex on the differentiating erythroid cell and to elucidate its role in the complex interplay of erythropoietin and other hormonal effects during erythropoiesis.