The relationship between megakaryocyte nuclear DNA content and gene expression.
Megakaryocytes are a distinct population of bone marrow cells that have the unique feature of increasing their DNA content without undergoing division. The biological effect of ploidy distribution on gene expression, receptor expression and protein synthesis is still unknown. Using molecular hybridization techniques, we have started a systematic analysis of mRNA expression in megakaryocytes for a number of proteins involved in clot formation. These data will be related to ploidy. Platelets are the unnucleated product of megakaryocytes, having their protein content derived from the precursor cell. Therefore, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating megakaryocyte biology and the consequent type and reactivity of platelets produced is of fundamental importance in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Department of Biochemical Sciences, Cardiovascular Biochemistry, Wellcome Research Laboratories, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom.
R
R
Lelchuk
M
M
Carrier
V
V
Hancock
J F
JF
Martin
D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D015342:DNA Probes; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011003:Ploidies; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis
D001798:Blood Proteins; D015342:DNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004247:DNA