Induction of megakaryocyte differentiation by a novel pregnancy-specific hormone.
Maturation of megakaryocytes and subsequent platelet release are normally regulated by a network of cytokines, including thrombopoietin and various interleukins. Because abnormal platelet production and activation have been implicated in gestational pathologies, additional pregnancy-specific cytokines may play important roles in the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis. Consistent with this hypothesis, we have found that the hormone prolactin-like protein E, a placental hormone that we have recently characterized, targets megakaryocytes through a specific cell surface receptor and induces megakaryocyte differentiation through a gp130-dependent signal transduction pathway.
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
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Linzer
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D050822:Cytokine Receptor gp130; D005260:Female; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010926:Placental Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D015703:Antigens, CD; C494200:Il6st protein, mouse; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D010926:Placental Hormones; D050822:Cytokine Receptor gp130; D011388:Prolactin