Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Lentiviral-mediated Knockdown During Ex Vivo Erythropoiesis of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Published on: July 16, 2011
Synthesis of erythrocyte-specific proteins in cultured friend leukemia cells
Abstract:
We have studied synthesis of specific proteins in two permanent lines of Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia cells (Friend line 745 and Ostertag line FSD-1, both derived from DBA/2 mice). By 96 hr following treatment with 1-2% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), up to 25% of the protein being synthesized by both these cultures is hemoglobin. At that time, hemoglobin constitutes up to 10% of the cellular soluble protein. Both lines synthesize heme and globin coordinately, and alpha and beta globin chains in a nearly balanced 1:1 ratio. However, the ratio of betaMajor:betaMinor chains synthesized by these induced Friend leukemia (FL) cells is approximately 9 in the FSD-1 line and 1.3 in the Friend Clone 745 line, whereas it is 4 in normal adult DBA/2 mouse erythrocytes. Evidence for the latter conclusion was obtained by electrophoresis of FL hemoglobins on cellulose acetate membranes, and also by chromatographic separation of alpha, betaMajor, and betaMinor globins on carboxymethylcellulose in 8 M urea at 20 degrees C. Carbonic anhydrase activity per mg protein is 3 times higher in induced than in control cultures. 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid is not found in induced FL cells. Induced and control FL cells agglutinate strongly and equally with Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin. The developmental process in these cultured leukemia cells appears to be an aberrant erythropoiesis.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) induces hemoglobin synthesis in Friend leukemia (FL) cells. These cells exhibit aberrant erythropoiesis, with altered beta-globin chain ratios compared to normal mouse erythrocytes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia cells (FL cells) provide a model for studying erythropoiesis.
- Understanding protein synthesis regulation in these cells is crucial for leukemia research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis of specific proteins, particularly hemoglobin, in dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO)-induced FL cells.
- To compare the globin chain synthesis ratios in induced FL cells with normal mouse erythrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture of Friend line 745 and Ostertag line FSD-1 FL cells.
- Induction of differentiation using dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO).
- Analysis of protein synthesis, hemoglobin content, globin chain ratios (alpha, betaMajor, betaMinor) via electrophoresis and chromatography.
- Measurement of carbonic anhydrase activity and detection of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid.
Main Results:
- Me2SO treatment led to significant hemoglobin synthesis (up to 25% of total protein).
- FL cells synthesized heme and globin coordinately with a near 1:1 alpha:beta globin ratio.
- Significant differences in betaMajor:betaMinor globin chain ratios were observed between the two FL cell lines and normal erythrocytes.
- Induced FL cells showed higher carbonic anhydrase activity and lacked 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid.
Conclusions:
- Me2SO effectively induces hemoglobinization in FL cells.
- The globin chain synthesis patterns in induced FL cells suggest an aberrant erythropoiesis.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of erythroid differentiation and potential therapeutic targets in leukemia.
Related Concept Videos
Erythropoiesis
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...

