Blood HEMATOPOIESIS

Targeting a GFP reporter gene to the MIXL1 locus of human embryonic stem cells identifies human primitive streak-like cells and enables isolation of primitive hematopoietic precursors

2008-02-08

Differentiating human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) represent an experimental platform for establishing the relationships between the earliest lineages that emerge during human development. Here we report the targeted insertion in HESCs of sequences encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the locus of MIXL1, a gene transiently expressed in the primitive streak during embryogenesis.^1,2 GFP fluorescence in MIXL1^GFP/^w HESCs differentiated in the presence of BMP4 reported the expression of MIXL1, permitting the identification of viable human primitive streak-like cells. The use of GFP as a reporter for MIXL1 combined with cell surface staining for platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR) enabled the isolation of a cell population that was highly enriched in primitive hematopoietic precursors, the earliest derivatives of the primitive streak. These experiments demonstrate the utility of MIXL1^GFP/w HESCs for analyzing the previously inaccessible events surrounding the development of human primitive streak-like cells and their subsequent commitment to hematopoiesis.

PACAP and its receptor VPAC1 regulate megakaryocyte maturation: therapeutic implications

2008-02-08

Megakaryocytes and platelets express the Gs-coupled VPAC1 receptor, for which the pituitary adenylyl cyclase–activating peptide (PACAP) and the vasointestinal peptide (VIP) are agonists. We here demonstrate a regulatory role for VPAC1 signaling during megakaryopoiesis. A total of 2 patients with trisomy 18p with PACAP overexpression and transgenic mice overexpressing PACAP in megakaryocytes have thrombopathy, a mild thrombocytopenia, and a reduced number of mature megakaryocytes in their bone marrow. In vitro differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells from the patient and transgenic mice shows a reduced number of megakaryocyte colonies compared with controls. The addition of PACAP, VIP, or the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin to CD34⁺ cells inhibits megakaryocyte differentiation. In contrast, neutralizing monoclonal anti-PACAP (PP1A4) or anti-VPAC1 (23A11) antibodies inhibit cAMP formation and stimulate megakaryopoiesis in a thrombopoietin-independent manner. Moreover, wild-type mice obtain an increased platelet count after subcutaneous injection of PP1A4 or 23A11. These antibodies also elevate platelet numbers in animal models of myelosuppressive therapy and in GATA1-deficient mice with congenital thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, 23A11 stimulates the in vitro megakaryocyte differentiation of both normal and GATA1-deficient human CD34⁺ cells. Together, our data strongly suggest that VPAC1 signaling tempers normal megakaryopoiesis, and that inhibition of this pathway stimulates megakaryocyte differentiation, enhancing platelet recovery after myelosuppressive therapy and in GATA1 deficiency.

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor is a critical intrinsic regulator for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells under stress

2008-02-08

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) plays important roles in the control of the cell division cycle. It is estimated that RB is dysfunctional/inactivated in up to 40% of human leukemias. The consequences of loss of RB on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) function in vivo are incompletely understood. Here, we report that mice genetically deficient in Rb in all hematopoietic cells (Vav-Cre Rb knockout [KO] animals) showed altered contribution of distinct hematopoietic cell lineages to peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleen; significantly increased extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen; and a 2-fold increase in the frequency of hematopoietic progenitor cells in peripheral blood. Upon competitive transplantation, HSPCs from Vav-Cre Rb KO mice contributed with an at least 4- to 6-fold less efficiency to hematopoiesis compared with control cells. HSPCs deficient in Rb presented with impaired cell-cycle exit upon stress-induced proliferation, which correlated with impaired function. In summary, Rb is critical for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function, localization, and differentiation.

Interleukin-27 directly induces differentiation in hematopoietic stem cells

2008-02-08

Interleukin (IL)-27, one of the most recently discovered IL-6 family cytokines, activates both the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT3, and plays multiple roles in pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses. IL-27 acts on various types of cells including T, B, and macrophage through the common signal-transducing receptor gp130 and its specific receptor WSX-1, but the effect of IL-27 on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains unknown. Here, we show that IL-27 together with stem cell factor (SCF) directly acts on HSCs and supports their early differentiation in vitro and in vivo. CD34^–/lowc-Kit⁺Sca-1⁺lineage marker^– (CD34^–KSL) cells, a population highly enriched in mouse HSCs, were found to express both IL-27 receptor subunits. In vitro cultures of CD34^–KSL cells with IL-27 and SCF resulted in an expansion of progenitors including short-term repopulating cells, while some of their long-term repopulating activity also was maintained. To examine its in vivo effect, transgenic mice expressing IL-27 were generated. These mice exhibited enhanced myelopoiesis and impaired B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow with extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen. Moreover, IL-27 similarly acted on human CD34⁺ cells. These results suggest that IL-27 is one of the limited cytokines that play a role in HSC regulation.

Aberrant activation of stress-response pathways leads to TNF-{alpha} oversecretion in Fanconi anemia

Briot, D., Mace-Aime, G., Subra, F., Rosselli, F. — 2008-02-08

Fanconi anemia (FA), an inherited syndrome that associates bone marrow failure, cancer predisposition, and genetic instability, is characterized by an overproduction of the myelosuppressive cytokine TNF- through unknown mechanisms. We demonstrate here that FANC pathway loss-of-function results in the aberrant activation of 2 major stress-signaling pathways: NF-B and MAPKs. These responses are independent on TNF- expression. On the contrary, inhibition of the MAPK pathways normalizes TNF- oversecretion in FA. Moreover, our data show that the overexpression of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-7 is the key event directly responsible for the high rate of TNF- shedding and release from the cytoplasmic membrane in FA. TNF- overproduction is, indeed, normalized by MMP-7 inhibition. Finally, MAPK inhibition impacts on MMP-7 overexpression. Evidence is provided of the existence of a linear pathway in which FANC mutations activate MAPK signaling that induces MMP-7 overexpression leading, in fine, to TNF- oversecretion. TNF- may, in turn, sustain or amplify both MAPKs and NF-B activation. Aberrant expression or activity of NF-B and/or MAPKs has been already involved in bone marrow failure and leukemia, and their inhibition offered clinical benefit for patients. In conclusion, our data provide a strong rationale for new clinical trials on FA patients.

Differential context-dependent effects of friend of GATA-1 (FOG-1) on mast-cell development and differentiation

2008-02-08

Friend of GATA-1 (FOG-1) is a binding partner of GATA-1, a zinc finger transcription factor with crucial roles in erythroid, megakaryocytic, and mast-cell differentiation. FOG-1 is indispensable for the function of GATA-1 during erythro/megakaryopoiesis, but FOG-1 is not expressed in mast cells. Here, we analyzed the role of FOG-1 in mast-cell differentiation using a combined experimental system with conditional gene expression and in vitro hematopoietic induction of mouse embryonic stem cells. Expression of FOG-1 during the progenitor period inhibited the differentiation of mast cells and enhanced the differentiation of neutrophils. Analysis using a mutant of PU.1, a transcription factor that positively or negatively cooperates with GATA-1, revealed that this lineage skewing was caused by disrupted binding between GATA-1 and PU.1, which is a prerequisite for mast-cell differentiation. However, FOG-1 expression in mature mast cells brought approximately a reversible loss of the mast-cell phenotype. In contrast to the lineage skewing, the loss of the mast-cell phenotype was caused by down-regulation of MITF, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor required for mast-cell differentiation and maturation. These results indicate that FOG-1 inhibits mast-cell differentiation in a differentiation stage-dependent manner, and its effects are produced via different molecular mechanisms.

Short-term BMP-4 treatment initiates mesoderm induction in human embryonic stem cells

2008-02-08

Human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) have unlimited self-renewal capacity and can differentiate into most, if not all, possible cell types. This unique property makes them valuable not only for investigation of early developmental processes, but also for regenerative medicine. Mesoderm-derived cardiac cells and hematopoietic cells both have the potential for various therapeutic applications. However, efficient induction of hES cell differentiation into mesoderm remains a challenge. Here, we showed that treatment of hES cells with bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) exhibited differential effects: long-term treatment results in trophoblast and extra-embryonic endoderm differentiation, whereas short-term treatment can promote early mesoderm induction. The induction of mesoderm in hES cells occurs at a high efficiency as measured using several markers, such as Brachyury, WNT3, and MIXL1 expression. Moreover, these mesoderm progenitor cells can differentiate into cardiac and hematopoietic lineages in vitro. Further analysis showed that the mesoderm-inducing capacity of BMP-4 requires endogenous FGF and TGF-β/Nodal/activin signaling activities. Thus, our results uncover a novel role for BMP-4 in regulation of hES cell differentiation and should provide insights into the mechanism of mesoderm induction in hES cells.

The BXH2 mutation in IRF8 differentially impairs dendritic cell subset development in the mouse

Tailor, P., Tamura, T., Morse, H. C., Ozato, K. — 2008-02-08

Among dendritic cell (DC) subsets, CD8⁺ DCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) produce high levels of IL12 and type I interferons (IFNs), respectively, and confer early innate immunity. Development of CD8⁺ DCs and pDCs requires the interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8). Recently, a spontaneous point mutation was identified in the Irf8/Icsbp gene in the BXH2 mouse, which exhibits an immunodeficient phenotype similar to the IRF8 knockout (KO) mouse. We show that this mutation, designated IRF8^R294C, abolishes the development of CD8⁺ DCs without impairing pDC development, and eliminates production of IL12p40, while retaining that of type I IFNs. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that IRF8^R294C failed to interact with partner transcription factors and did not bind certain promoters that require partner interactions. Together, this work indicates that IRF8-partner interactions play different roles in CD8⁺ DCs and pDCs, revealing a mechanistic separation that underlies development of these DC subsets.

Hls5 regulated erythroid differentiation by modulating GATA-1 activity

2008-02-08

Hemopoietic lineage switch (Hls) 5 and 7 were originally isolated as genes up-regulated during an erythroid-to-myeloid lineage switch. We have shown previously that Hls7/Mlf1 imposes a monoblastoid phenotype on erythroleukemic cells. Here we show that Hls5 impedes erythroid maturation by restricting proliferation and inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis; however, Hls5 does not influence the morphology of erythroid cells. Under the influence of GATA-1, Hls5 relocates from cytoplasmic granules to the nucleus where it associates with both FOG-1 and GATA-1. In the nucleus, Hls5 is able to suppress GATA-1–mediated transactivation and reduce GATA-1 binding to DNA. We conclude that Hls5 and Hls7/Mlf1 act cooperatively to induce biochemical and phenotypic changes associated with erythroid/myeloid lineage switching.