A role for leptin in hemopoieses?
The recent discovery of leptin as a major controller of appetite has led to a detailed analysis of its specific actions in this process as well as any potential role in the etiology of obesity. It has also emerged that leptin has a wider spectrum of biological activities and has been strongly implicated in fertility and reproduction. The structural similarity between leptin and its receptor and cytokine-receptor systems that control hemopoiesis has also prompted investigation of the potential for this hormone to influence blood cell formation. Recent studies have shown that the leptin receptor is expressed on a diverse range of hemopoietic cells. Leptin itself appears to enhance proliferation of hemopoietic cells in vitro, particularly in combination with other cytokines and may augment some mature hemopoietic cell functions. Although only relatively minor hemopoietic deficiencies have been reported in mice lacking leptin or its receptor, these emerging studies suggest that further analysis of leptin actions in hemopoiesis may be warranted.
Gainsford
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T
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia. gainsford@wehi.edu.au
Alexander
W S
WS
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D054411:Receptors, Leptin
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C515448:LEPR protein, human; D020738:Leptin; D011506:Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D054411:Receptors, Leptin; C515447:leptin receptor, mouse