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Human hematopoietic progenitors express erythropoietin
T Stopka1, J H Zivny, P Stopkova
1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Blood
|June 20, 1998
Summary
Erythropoietin (EPO) is produced by erythroid cells, not just the kidneys. This study found EPO mRNA and protein in erythroid progenitors, suggesting a role in regulating red blood cell production.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Erythropoietin (EPO) is crucial for red blood cell production.
- Kidney production of EPO in response to hypoxia is established.
- The potential for EPO production by hematopoietic cells remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EPO expression in human hematopoietic progenitors.
- To determine if erythroid cells produce their own EPO.
- To explore the autocrine regulation of erythropoiesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of EPO mRNA in CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors and their progeny.
- Culture of erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) with EPO-mimicking peptide (EMP).
- Immunoblotting for EPO protein and detection of EPO/EPOR mRNA in K562 cells.
Main Results:
- Undifferentiated progenitors lack EPO mRNA; differentiating cells express EPO and EPOR.
- Only erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E) showed EPO mRNA and protein.
- EMP stimulation induced EPO expression in BFU-Es and K562 cells, confirming intrinsic EPO production.
Conclusions:
- Erythroid cells intrinsically produce EPO.
- EPO of erythroid origin may play a role in regulating erythropoiesis.
- This finding suggests autocrine EPO signaling in red blood cell development.