Conditional overexpression of transgenes in megakaryocytes and platelets in vivo

Megakaryocyte (MK)-specific transgene expression has proved valuable in studying thrombotic and hemostatic processes. Constitutive expression of genes, however, could result in altered phenotypes due to compensatory mechanisms or lethality. To circumvent these limitations, we used the tetracycline/doxycycline (Tet)-off system to conditionally over-express genes in megakaryocytes and platelets in vivo. We generated 3 transactivator transgenic lines expressing the Tet transactivator element (tTA), under the control of the MK-specific platelet factor 4 promoter (PF4-tTA-VP16). Responder lines were simultaneously generated, each with a bidirectional minimal cytomegalovirus (CMV)-tTA responsive promoter driving prokaryotic beta-galactosidase gene, as a cellular reporter, and a gene of interest (in this case, the mitotic regulator Aurora-B). A transactivator founder line that strongly expressed PF4-driven tTA-viral protein 16 (VP16) was crossbred to a responder line. The homozygous double-transgenic mouse line exhibited doxycycline-dependent transgene overexpression in MKs and platelets. Using this line, platelets were conveniently indicated at sites of induced stress by beta-galactosidase staining. In addition, we confirmed our earlier report on effects of constitutive expression of Aurora-B, indicating a tight regulation at protein level and a modest effect on MK ploidy. Hence, we generated a new line, PF4-tTA-VP16, that is available for conditionally overexpressing genes of interest in the MK/platelet lineage in vivo.     

Decorin deficiency leads to impaired angiogenesis in injured mouse cornea

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans play important roles in the organization of the extracellular matrix as well as for the regulation of cell behavior; two biological processes that are essential for angiogenesis. We investigated consequences of the targeted ablation of decorin (DCN), biglycan (BGN) and fibromodulin (FMOD) genes on inflammation-induced angiogenesis in the cornea. In wild-type mice, DCN was localized exclusively to the corneal stroma, while FMOD and BGN were more prominently expressed in epithelial cells. Endothelial cells from limbus blood vessels expressed BGN and FMOD, but no DCN. However, after induction of angiogenesis by chemical cauterization, DCN was expressed in the newly formed capillaries, together with BGN and FMOD. Notably, in DCN-deficient mice, the growth of vessels was significantly diminished, whereas it did not significantly change in FMOD- or BGN-deficient animals. Moreover, blood vessels of DCN-deficient mice exhibited a similar expression level of BGN as control mice, while FMOD was increased on day 3 after injury. These results indicate that DCN, in addition to its effects on fibrillogenesis, plays a regulatory role in angiogenesis and that FMOD in endothelial cells may be able to partially substitute for DCN.     

Loss of ATE1-mediated arginylation leads to impaired platelet myosin phosphorylation,clot retraction,and in vivo thrombosis formation

Protein arginylation by arginyl–transfer RNA protein transferase (ATE1) is emerging as a regulator protein function that is reminiscent of phosphorylation. For example, arginylation of β-actin has been found to regulate lamellipodial formation at the leading edge in fibroblasts. This finding suggests that similar functions of β-actin in other cell types may also require arginylation. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that ATE1 regulates the cytoskeletal dynamics essential for in vivo platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. To test this hypothesis, we generated conditional knockout mice specifically lacking ATE1 in their platelets and in their megakaryocytes and analyzed the role of arginylation during platelet activation. Surprisingly, rather than finding an impairment of the actin cytoskeleton structure and its rearrangement during platelet activation, we observed that the platelet-specific ATE1 knockout led to enhanced clot retraction and in vivo thrombus formation. This effect might be regulated by myosin II contractility since it was accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain on Ser19, which is an event that activates myosin in vivo. Furthermore, ATE1 and myosin co-immunoprecipitate from platelet lysates. This finding suggests that these proteins directly interact within platelets. These results provide the first evidence that arginylation is involved in phosphorylation-dependent protein regulation, and that arginylation affects myosin function in platelets during clot retraction.     

Transfusion of ABO-mismatched platelets leads to early platelet refractoriness

Summary. Forty-three consecutive patients previously unexposed to platelets and undergoing treatment for acute leukaemia or autografting for relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma were randomized to receive transfused platelets of either their own ABO group (OG) or of a major mismatched group (MMG). The 26 evaluable patients were equally distributed between the two study groups.
Nine of 13 (69%) MMG patients became refractory with a median onset at transfusion 7 (15 d), compared with only one of 13 (8%) OG patients ( P =0.001). Refractoriness was associated with the formation of high titre isoagglutinins, anti-HLA and platelet specific antibodies. In one patient refractoriness appeared to be due to high titre isoagglutinins alone. Six other patients developed an increase in isoagglutinin titre sufficient to adversely affect platelet increments. Patients receiving ABO-mismatched platelets had a higher incidence of anti-HLA antibodies (5 v. 1) and platelet specific antibodies (4 v. 1). ABO-mismatched platelets transfused prior to the onset of refractoriness resulted in increments similar to those achieved by ABO-matched platelets.
The study demonstrates that ABO-mismatched platelets are as effective as matched platelets in patients with low titre isoagglutinins requiring only few transfusions. However, the greater incidence of early refractoriness induced in MMG patients indicates that ABO-mismatched platelets should not be given to patients with marrow failure requiring long-term support.     

Platelet production by megakaryocytes: protoplatelet theory justifies cytoplasmic fragmentation model

The maturation of megakaryocytes (MKs) leading to platelet production is carefully reviewed. For instance, when MK with ploidy 16N enters the maturation stage, eight centrosomes are clustered in the cell center surrounded by 16N nucleus. Each bundle of microtubules (MTs) emanated from the respective centrosome supports and organize eight equally volumed cytoplasmic compartments which together compose one single 16N MK. Then, the following three processes take place in parallel until the complete maturation of MKs Virchow’s Arch. 1906;186:55–63. Two centrioles, composing centrosome, are separated and each one with pericentriolar material migrates to just beneath the plasma membrane through the MT bundle [corresponding to a half of the interphase array, originated from one centrosome, supporting one “putative cytoplasmic compartment “(PCC)] (Blood. 2005;106:4066–75). Platelet specific granules and other cellular components, newly formed in the central field of the cell, are transported along the MTs and many platelet territories, future platelets, are elaborated as a tandem array from the center to periphery in each PCC [3]. All the important membranes including plasma membrane and platelet demarcation membrane (DM) are synthesized de novo and those are transported as membrane vesicles (MVs) from Golgi body along the MTs. MVs arranged on the boundary surface between neighboring PCCs undergo fusion and fission to yield a paired membrane. Further connection with the external milieu results in the completion of DM system. The PCC covered by a sheet of DM is designated as protoplatelet. Excessive production of the MVs, most probably intervenes between the respective protoplatelets. Eventually, the matured MK ruptures as a whole, resulting in release of platelets from protoplatelets and many of MVs, though the mechanism is not fully elucidated yet. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Loss of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to impaired glucose homeostasis in mice

This study aimed to investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in regulating glucose homeostasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate ACE2 expression in the pancreas. Glucose tolerance test, insulin secretion test, and insulin tolerance test were performed in age-matched male ACE2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. We found that ACE2 was positively expressed in the pancreas. Male ACE2 KO mice displayed a selective decrease in first-phase insulin secretion in response to glucose and a progressive impairment of glucose tolerance compared with age- and sex-matched WT mice. On the other hand, insulin sensitivity of the peripheral tissue in age-matched ACE2 KO and WT mice showed no difference. These findings suggest that ACE2 might play an important role in glucose homeostasis as well as type 2 diabetes.     

Culture of isolated bovine megakaryocytes on reconstituted basement membrane matrix leads to proplatelet process formation

We have enriched for bovine megakaryocytes and identified a culture system that may provide an in vitro model for platelet formation. Mature megakaryocytes with an unusually high ploidy distribution were obtained after differential centrifugation and velocity sedimentation of bone marrow cells through gradients of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The cell membranes of isolated megakaryocytes and megakaryocytes in vivo stained with antisera to human platelets and human platelet membrane GPIIIa. The microenvironment of bovine megakaryocytes in vivo was investigated using antibodies to types I and IV collagen and laminin. In an attempt to duplicate the microenvironment in vitro, bovine megakaryocytes were cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane matrix (Matrigel). The cells adhered to the gel, extended radial lamellipodia, and occasionally formed lengthy pseudopodia. Ultrastructural examination of these cells showed widening and coalescence of the megakaryocyte demarcation membranes (DMS), and inclusion of platelet granules, thin filaments, and microtubules in the processes. Very few DMS vesicles were present distally in the processes. The culture of megakaryocytes on a reconstituted basement membrane may closely model the in vivo megakaryocyte microenvironment and allow the study of thrombocytopoiesis in vitro.     

Spurious platelet counts in acute leukaemia with DIC due to cell fragmentation

Automated platelet counts in a patient with newly diagnosed AML M5 with extreme leukocytosis were reported as 129, 166 and 121 × 10⁹/1. Routine blood films showed a corresponding number of platelet-sized particles, judged to be platelets. The patient was treated for DIC with low-dose heparin infusion. Platelet transfusions were not given initially. The patient died 14 h after admission from intracerebral haematoma. The origin of the platelet-sized particles seen in routine stained blood films was examined by cytochemical and immunological staining for peroxidase, non-specific esterase, CD 13 and CD 33. About 1/3 of the fragments had the same staining characteristics as the leukaemia cells, indicating leukaemia cell origin. Staining for platelet-specific antigen GpIIIa was positive only in 4% of the platelet-sized fragments, with a calculated true platelet count of 4 × 10⁹/1. The presence of cell fragments masquerading as platelets should be suspected in leukaemia patients with bleeding symptoms and normal or near normal platelet counts.     

15-deoxy-delta12,14-PGJ2 enhances platelet production from megakaryocytes

Thrombocytopenia is a critical problem that occurs in many hematologic diseases, as well as after cancer therapy and radiation exposure. Platelet transfusion is the most commonly used therapy but has limitations of alloimmunization, availability, and expense. Thus, the development of safe, small, molecules to enhance platelet production would be advantageous for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. Herein, we report that an important lipid mediator and a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligand called 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14) prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), increases Meg-01 maturation and platelet production. 15d-PGJ(2) also promotes platelet formation from culture-derived mouse and human megakaryocytes and accelerates platelet recovery after in vivo radiation-induced bone marrow injury. Interestingly, the platelet-enhancing effects of 15d-PGJ(2) in Meg-01 cells are independent of PPARgamma, but dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; treatment with antioxidants such as glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-EE); or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuate 15d-PGJ(2)-induced platelet production. Collectively, these data support the concept that megakaryocyte redox status plays an important role in platelet generation and that small electrophilic molecules may have clinical efficacy for improving platelet numbers in thrombocytopenic patients.     

Parasinusoidal location of megakaryocytes in marrow: A determinant of platelet release

Megakaryocytopoiesis occurs in the hematopoietic (extravascular) compartment of marrow. Thus, platelets must traverse the wall of the vascular sinuses of marrow to enter the circulation. We have examined mouse and rat marrow, fixed by rapid immersion so as to maintain anatomical relationships as close to the natural state as possible. Quantitative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of random transections of femurs established that megakaryocytes reside less than 1 μ from a marrow sinus wall with a probability unlikely to be the result of chance (P < 0.001). An intimate relationship exists between the megakaryocyte periphery and the abluminal surface of the endothelial lining cell. At the time of platelet release megakaryocyte cytoplasm invaginates and penetrates the endothelial lining cell. The penetrating cytoplasm is detached and enters the marrow circulation. From their dimensions in comparison to circulating platelets, the released cytoplasm represents a packet of platelets that undergoes further fragmentation in the circulation. The parasinusoidal location of megakaryocytes and the process of sinus-wall penetration and platelet delivery was observed by TEM and scanning electron microscopy. These studies provided quantitative support for a specific anatomical arrangement of megakaryocytes in marrow. Moreover, the process of platelet release appears to be a physiological form of metastasis with invasion of vascular walls and vascular spread of cells, that are in this case amitotic.     

Plasminogen deficiency leads to impaired remodeling after a toxic injury to the liver

Cellular proliferation and tissue remodeling are central to the regenerative response after a toxic injury to the liver. To explore the role of plasminogen in hepatic tissue remodeling and regeneration, we used carbon tetrachloride to induce an acute liver injury in plasminogen-deficient (Plg(o)) mice and nontransgenic littermates (Plg(+)). On day 2 after CCl(4), livers of Plg(+) and Plg(o) mice had a similar diseased pale/lacy appearance, followed by restoration of normal appearance in Plg(+) livers by day 7. In contrast, Plg(o) livers remained diseased for as long as 2.5 months, with a diffuse pale/lacy appearance and persistent damage to centrilobular hepatocytes. The persistent centrilobular lesions were not a consequence of impaired proliferative response in Plg(o) mice. Notably, fibrin deposition was a prominent feature in diseased centrilobular areas in Plg(o) livers for at least 30 days after injury. Nonetheless, the genetically superimposed loss of the Aalpha fibrinogen chain (Plg(o)/Fib(o) mice) did not correct the abnormal phenotype. These data show that plasminogen deficiency impedes the clearance of necrotic tissue from a diseased hepatic microenvironment and the subsequent reconstitution of normal liver architecture in a fashion that is unrelated to circulating fibrinogen.     

Venlafaxine-induced ecchymoses and impaired platelet aggregation

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of venlafaxine-induced ecchymoses. METHODS: A patient with a history of ecchymoses coincident with venlafaxine therapy was rechallenged with the drug. Her platelet function was assessed with aggregation and ATP release studies before the rechallenge and after she developed ecchymoses. In addition, the effect of venlafaxine on platelet aggregation and ATP release was studied in vitro by adding the drug to platelet-rich plasma from normal donors. RESULTS: After 4 wk of treatment with venlafaxine our patient developed extensive ecchymoses. At that time her platelet aggregation and release responses to epinephrine, ADP, collagen, and arachidonic acid were markedly suppressed. Adding venlafaxine to normal platelet-rich plasma also dramatically reduced the aggregation and release responses to the same agonists as well as to serotonin, but the concentrations of venlafaxine required were 1000-fold greater than those normally achieved clinically. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient demonstrated an idiosyncratic hypersensitivity to the platelet inhibitory effects of venlafaxine. Because venlafaxine is an inhibitor of serotonin uptake by platelets and neurons, this mechanism may contribute to the impact of this drug on platelet function. However, our in vitro studies suggest that this hypothesis is inadequate to explain the observations completely.