Identification and cloning of a megakaryocyte growth and development factor that is a ligand for the cytokine

T D Bartley1, J Bogenberger, P Hunt

  • 1Amgen, Incorporated, Amgen Center, Thousand Oaks, California 91320.

Cell
|July 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

A novel megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF) was discovered and cloned. This cytokine regulates megakaryocyte development and binds to the MPI receptor.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Megakaryocyte development is crucial for platelet production.
  • The specific factors regulating megakaryopoiesis are not fully elucidated.
  • Aplastic canine plasma yielded a novel growth factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF).
  • To determine the role of MGDF in megakaryocyte development and its receptor interaction.
  • To investigate the conservation and function of MGDF across species.

Main Methods:

  • Cloning of MGDF cDNAs from canine, murine, and human sources.
  • Purification of canine MGDF using MpI receptor affinity chromatography.
  • Assessing biological activities of MGDF on human progenitor cells and a murine cell line expressing MpI.

Main Results:

  • Identified and cloned MGDF cDNAs from multiple species, showing high conservation.
  • Purified canine MGDF exists in 25 kDa and 31 kDa forms with a shared N-terminal sequence.
  • MGDF supports megakaryocyte development and cell survival, with activity blocked by soluble MpI.

Conclusions:

  • MGDF is a novel cytokine regulating megakaryocyte development.
  • MGDF functions as a ligand for the MPI receptor.
  • MGDF plays a significant role in hematopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis.