Biomedical subjects

L K Ashman

Publications and source records attributed to L K Ashman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Localization of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) member PETA-3 (CD151) in normal human tissues: comparison with CD9, CD63, and alpha5beta1 integrin.

It has recently been shown that several members of the tetraspan superfamily, including CD9 and CD63, associate with each other and with beta1 integrins. In this study, we examined the distribution of a recently identified tetraspan, PETA-3 (CD151), and of CD9, CD63, alpha5beta1, and the integrin beta1 chain in normal human tissues by the indirect immunoperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase techniques. PETA-3 showed a broad distribution and was expressed by endothelium, epithelium, Schwann cells, and dendritic cells and by skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. Expression in skin was mostly restricted to the basal cells of the epidermis and was downregulated on differentiation. In the small intestine, PETA-3 was expressed by crypt and villous enterocytes with a mostly basolateral distribution, but was not detectable on the brush border. CD9 was expressed on the plasma membrane of enterocytes in crypts and at the bases of the villi whereas CD63 demonstrated a unique granular appearance concentrated in the apical cytoplasm below the brush border. The findings of this study show co-localization of PETA-3 with CD9, CD63, alpha5beta1, and beta1 in particular tissues, demonstrating that tetraspan/integrin complexes may occur. However, the lack of co-localization of these antigens in other tissues also implies distinct roles for these molecules.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Specificity and functional effects of antibodies to human stem cell factor.

Three monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), 7H6, 4B10 and Genzyme Mab, and a commercially-available polyclonal antiserum (Genzyme) to human Stem Cell Factor (SCF) were compared for their ability to detect native and recombinant SCF in a variety of assays, and for blocking of SCF function. All antibodies were found to bind to the membrane bound isoform as well as soluble SCF and to bind to both glycosylated (yeast MGF) and unglycosylated (E. coli SCF) recombinant factor. Mabs 7H6 and 4B10, as well as the polyclonal antiserum could immunoprecipitate membrane-associated SCF and all the antibodies could detect recombinant soluble SCF on western blots, although the binding of all except 7H6 was partially sensitive to reduction. Titration of the antibodies on CHO cells expressing membrane-associated human SCF showed similar dose-dependence for all Mabs with 70% of maximum binding seen at 3, 5 and 8 micrograms/ml for 7H6, 4B10 and Genzyme Mab respectively, however the maximum binding seen with 7H6 was approximately 2-fold greater than with 4B10 and 7-fold greater than Genzyme Mab. Competitive binding experiments of the Mabs on cells expressing membrane SCF gave non-reciprocal blocking in all cases with 7H6 completely blocking 4B10 and Genzyme Mab binding. All antibodies except the Genzyme Mab effectively blocked SCF binding to c-Kit-expressing cells, and were strongly inhibitory in an assay of in vitro haemopoiesis which is believed to depend on adhesive interactions, as well as the "classical' cytokine-receptor interaction, mediated by SCF binding to c-Kit.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Internalization of Kit together with stem cell factor on human fetal liver-derived mast cells: new protein and RNA synthesis are required for reappearance of Kit.

Kit, the receptor for stem cell factor (SCF) and the product of the c-kit proto-oncogene, is expressed on fetal liver-derived mast cell progenitors when cultured with SCF. Decreased levels of Kit on the surface of human fetal liver-derived mast cells after exposure to recombinant human SCF were demonstrated by flow cytometry using the YB5.B8 mAb against Kit. Internalization of Kit along with SCF appears to be the principal means by which Kit is lost from the mast cell surface. Neither the beta 3-integrin CD51/CD61 (alpha v beta 3), nor the beta 1-integrins CD49d,e/CD29 (VLA-4 and -5) appeared to be internalized along with Kit-SCF complexes. Reappearance of Kit on day 28 fetal liver-derived mast cells is complete 3 days after exposure of the cells to SCF and is detectable by 2 days. Recovery requires new protein and new RNA synthesis, because Kit did not reappear if cycloheximide or actinomycin D was added to the cells. No substantial change in total Kit mRNA was detected during the resynthesis period, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation of Kit production is involved. Internalization of Kit in mast cells exposed to soluble SCF may represent a negative regulatory mechanism for this receptor-ligand interaction and down-regulate mast cell properties such as degranulation to SCF.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1996

Immobilized anti-KIT monoclonal antibody induces ligand-independent dimerization and activation of Steel factor receptor: biologic similarity with membrane-bound form of Steel factor rather than its soluble form.

Interaction of a tyrosine kinase type receptor and its ligand induces receptor-dimerization or -oligomerization followed by transphosphorylation and activation of its intrinsic kinase, which leads to a series of intracellular signals. We have previously reported that the membrane-bound form of Steel factor (SLF) induces more persistent tyrosine kinase activation and longer life span of c-kit encoded protein (KIT) than its soluble form (Miyazawa et al, Blood 85:641, 1995). In this study, we used YB5.B8 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that recognizes the extracellular domain of KIT to investigate whether immobilized anti-KIT MoAb can substitute for SLF as a potent activator of KIT by cross-linking receptors and further compared its effect with each SLF isoform in a factor-dependent cell line M07e. YB5.B8 MoAb in a soluble state suppressed SLF-induced M07e cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, once this antibody was immobilized on the goat-antimouse MoAb (GAM)-coated culture plates, it supported the growth of M07e cells in the absence of any growth factors, whereas culture the cells in GAM alone or YB5.B8 without GAM-coated plates resulted in rapid cell-death within 24 hours. As with the natural ligand SLF, immobilized YB5.B8 MoAb synergized with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in inducing cell proliferation compared with either YB5.B8 MoAb or GM-CSF alone. Immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine MoAb showed that interaction of M07e cells with immobilized YB5.B8 induced tyrosine phosphorylation of a series of intracellular proteins including KIT (145 kD). In addition, cross-linking studies using a water-soluble cross linking reagent bis-sulfosuccinimidyl-suberate showed that immobilized YB5.B8 MoAb induced dimerization and activation of KIT. However, as with stimulation by the membrane-bound form of SLF, the kinetics of KIT activation with YB5.B8 MoAb was more prolonged compared with the cells treated with recombinant soluble SLF. Flow cytometry showed that, unlike the cells treated with soluble SLF, no downmodulation of cell-surface KIT expression was observed in M07e cells cultured with immobilzed YB5.B8 MoAb. These data suggest that immobilized antibodies against hematopoietic receptors may replace their ligand-stimulators; however, their activities may resemble the membrane-bound form rather than the soluble form of natural ligands.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

A powerful new technique for isolating genes encoding cell surface antigens using retroviral expression cloning.

cDNA expression cloning using retroviral vectors provides a means of stably introducing genes into target cells at efficiencies that surpass those achieved by transfection. Furthermore, retroviral vectors allow for the introduction and expression of complex cDNA libraries in a wide range of cell types, including cells of hemopoietic origin. Here we report a novel method for rapidly isolating genes encoding cell surface molecules (CSM) from a human bone marrow stromal cell cDNA library constructed in the retroviral vector, pRUFneo. With a newly described, highly efficient selection strategy using mAb and Ab-coated magnetic beads, we have successfully isolated six cDNA encoding previously defined CSM, including beta 1 integrin and endoglin. Moreover, we have used this approach to define the gene and hence the CSM identified by three previously unclustered mAb. These results confirm previous studies demonstrating the general utility of retroviral cDNA libraries and further extend their use to the expression cloning of cDNA encoding CSM.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

HL-60 myeloid leukaemia cells acquire immunostimulatory capability upon treatment with retinoic acid: analysis of the responding population and mechanism of cytotoxic lymphocyte activation.

HL-60 myeloid leukaemia cells are ineffective as stimulators of allogeneic lymphocytes in mixed leucocyte culture (MLC). These cells can be induced to differentiate along the monocytic or granulocytic pathways with or without acquisition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen by various agents. Surprisingly, treatment of HL-60 cells with 10 nM all-trans retinoic acid (RA) for 7 days (HL-60-R7) resulted in a marked increase in MLC stimulation although the cells lacked detectable MHC class II antigen expression at the initiation of the MLC. In contrast, treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), with or without RA, induced MHC class II antigen expression but failed to enhance MLC stimulation. Lymphocytes responding to HL-60-R7 were predominantly CD8+ and/or CD16+ and displayed enhanced cytolytic capacity for HL-60 and HL-60-R7 cells as well as natural killer (NK)-sensitive K562 cells. Nevertheless, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to MHC class II antigens substantially inhibited the MLC and some CD4+ lymphocytes in the responding population were required, although this requirement could be replaced by the addition of interleukin-2 (IL-2). HL-60-R7 (and HL-60) cells were shown to acquire detectable MHC class II antigen expression during the first 3 days of the MLC. Thus a low level of activation by MHC class II+ stimulator cells appears to be required for the response. Analysis of the role of cytokines with costimulatory activity for T cells and/or NK cells indicated that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was important in the proliferative response, while interleukins-1, -6 and -12 and stem cell factor did not seem to be involved. Cell interaction molecules lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) (CD11a), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (CD54), ICAM-3 (CD50) and B7.2 (CD86) were up-regulated on HL-60-R7. Blocking mAb to LFA-1 and B7.2 potently inhibited the proliferative response indicating a key role for these molecules in the enhanced immunostimulation by HL-60-R7 cells. The results may have implications for the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of RA in acute promyelocytic leukaemia and may also provide valuable information in regard to the immunogenicity of tumour cells in general.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed1996

Increased expression of c-Kit or its ligand Steel Factor is not a common feature of adult acute myeloid leukaemia.

Cell surface levels of the receptor tyrosine kinase P145(c-kit), the product of the c-kit proto-oncogens, in a panel of 80 primary adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) specimens collected at presentation were quantitated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and compared with levels on CD34+ bone marrow cells from normal donors. Receptor levels on AML blast cells were extremely variable and were similar to, or less than, those on normal stem and progenitor cells. In general P145(c-kit) expression was higher on cells of immature phenotype (FAB M1 and M2). c-kit mRNA was quantitated by ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and was shown to be correlated with cell surface protein expression (r=0.76; P<0.001). This indicates that ligand-mediated receptor internalisation or other mechanisms of increased protein turnover are not responsible for variations in the level of P145(c-kit) in AML specimens. Quantitative Southern blotting was used to examine c-kit gene copy number in 25 of these specimens and was found to be normal in all but one. Thus we have found little evidence of over-expression of c-kit in adult AML. mRNA for the c-kit ligand, Steel Factor (SLF) was also quantitated by RPA in these specimens. While SLF message was detectable (limit of detection approximately 10(4) copies per 10 microgram total RNA; equivalent to 1 copy per 100 cells) in 19% of cases, these specimens in general contained low levels of c-kit mRNA. Thus, an autocrine cycle involving c-kit and SLF does not appear to be a common feature of AML.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Human osteoclasts and preosteoclast cells (FLG 29.1) express functional c-kit receptors and interact with osteoblast and stromal cells via membrane-bound stem cell factor.

Bone remodeling requires cooperation between osteoclasts and other specialized or accessory bone cell populations by mechanisms that have not been completely elucidated. Here we describe the expression and functional role of the proto-oncogene c-kit and of its specific ligand stem cell factor (SCF) on human osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and stromal cells derived from different sources. Our results indicate that primary osteoclasts in imprints of metaphyseal bone and giant cell tumors (GCTs) of bone, as well as a bone marrow-derived preosteoclast cell line of human origin (FLG 29.1), expressed immunodetectable c-kit protein. In contrast, tissue osteoclasts did not react with anti-SCF antibodies, and barely detectable levels of SCF mRNA and protein were found in FLG 29.1 cells. Conversely, a strong expression of membrane bound-SCF was found in primary cultured bone marrow stromal cells, in a stromal cell line (C433) derived from the mononuclear component of GCT of bone, and in a human cell line with osteoblast features (Saos-2). FLG 29.1 preosteoclast cells displayed about 29,000 binding sites/cell of a single class of high affinity c-kit receptors (Kd 6.12 x 10(-10) mol/L) with a molecular weight of about 140 kDa, along with a structurally normal c-kit mRNA. Proliferation of FLG 29.1 preosteoclast cells was stimulated by exogenous SCF, indicating that c-kit was capable of transducing growth signals. Finally, in vitro adhesion of FLG 29.1 cells to primary bone marrow stromal cells, GCT-derived stromal cells (C433), and Saos-2 osteoblast cells was significantly inhibited by an excess of soluble SCF or by monoclonal antibodies recognizing SCF binding sites on the c-kit receptor. These results indicate that c-kit is constitutively expressed on human osteoclasts and that it may be directly implicated in cell contact-dependent interaction of osteoclasts with other specialized or accessory cell populations of the bone microenvironment. Our observations suggest a role for SCF in human diseases characterized by abnormal bone resorption and remodeling.

Bone Marrow↗

PubMed1996

Stem cell factor-induced downregulation of c-kit in human lung mast cells and HMC-1 mast cells.

Recent data suggest that local overexpression of the tissue-hormone c-kit ligand (stem cell factor [SCF]) is associated with accumulation of mast cells (MCs) and a decrease in expression of c-kit in the accumulated MCs [28]. In the present study, the effects of recombinant human (rh) SCF on expression of c-kit mRNA and c-kit protein in isolated human MCs and a human mast cell line, HMC-1, were analyzed. Incubation of isolated lung MC with rhSCF (100 ng/mL) for 120 minutes resulted in decreased expression of c-kit mRNA (optical density [OD], control: 100% vs. rhSCF: 37%). Almost identical results were obtained with HMC-1 cells (OD, control: 100% vs. rhSCF: 40 to 45%). As assessed by flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to c-kit, the SCF-induced decrease of c-kit mRNA in HMC-1 was associated with a substantial decrease in surface expression of c-kit (MFI, control: 100 +/- 21%, vs. MFI in cells incubated with rhSCF [100 ng/mL at 37 degrees C for 12 hours]: 8 +/- 2%, vs. MFI in cells incubated with rhSCF, 100 ng/mL, at 4 degrees C: 34 +/- 3%). The effects of rhSCF on c-kit expression in HMC-1 cells were dose- and time-dependent with maximum effects observed with 10-100 ng/mL of rhSCF after 4 to 12 hours. The SCF-dependent loss of c-kit was also accompanied by a decreased chemotactic response to rhSCF (control: 100%; rhSCF: 71 +/- 2%). This study shows that exposure of human lung MC and HMC-1 cells to recombinant SCF results in downregulation of c-kit mRNA and surface c-kit expression. These data may explain the partial loss of c-kit on MCs in areas of SCF overexpression.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1995

Enforced expression of full length c-Myb leads to density-dependent transformation of murine haemopoietic cells.

The oncogenic activation of c-myb has been associated with structural alterations to the Myb protein. Although such alterations can increase the ability of Myb to transform haemopoietic cells, it has been unresolved whether over-expression of wild type (WT) c-Myb can lead to transformation. We show here that infection with a retrovirus that expresses WT i.e. full length c-Myb leads to transformation of primary haemopoietic cells (as indicated by clonogenic assays). The transformed cells are similar to those obtained with carboxyl-truncated (CT) c-Myb in that they show phenotypic and morphological characteristics of early myeloid cells and remain dependent on exogenous growth factors. Cells expressing WTMyb form lower numbers of colonies on average and have a greater tendency to spontaneously differentiate than those expressing truncated c-Myb. Additionally, our results show that transformation by both forms of Myb is dependent on the density at which the infected cells are cultured, and that low levels of transformation can be increased by addition of conditioned medium from myb transformed cells grown at high density. This implies that transformation can be enhanced by the effects of an autocrine growth factor. Moreover, the production of, or sensitivity to, such a factor may be influenced by Myb itself, since CT Myb-infected cells cultured at low densities show higher levels of transformation than WT Myb-infected cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding a novel platelet-endothelial cell tetra-span antigen, PETA-3.

Platelet-endothelial cell tetra-span antigen (PETA-3) was originally identified as a novel human platelet surface glycoprotein, gp27, which was detected by a monoclonal antibody (MoAb), 14A2.H1. Although this glycoprotein is present in low abundance on the platelet surface, MoAb 14A2.H1 stimulates platelet aggregation and mediator release. We now report isolation of a cDNA clone encoding PETA-3 from a library derived from the megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line MO7e. The clone encodes an open reading frame of 253 amino acids that displays 25% to 30% amino acid sequence identity with several members of the newly defined Tetraspan, or Transmembrane 4 superfamily. These proteins consist of four conserved putative transmembrane domains with a large divergent extracellular loop between the third and fourth membrane-spanning regions. PETA-3 has a single consensus sequence for N-linked glycosylation located in this extracellular loop. A single PETA-3 RNA transcript (1.6 kb) was detected in RNA isolated from MO7e cells, bone marrow stromal cells, the C11 endothelial cell line, and several myeloid leukemia cell lines. No transcript was detected in the lymphoblastoid cell lines MOLT-4 and BALM-1. This pattern correlates well with previous protein expression data. Northern blot analysis of RNA from a range of human tissues indicated that the transcript was present in most tissues, the notable exception being brain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Human mast cells derived from fetal liver cells cultured with stem cell factor express a functional CD51/CD61 (alpha v beta 3) integrin.

Human fetal livers contain progenitor cells that become mast cells after 4 weeks of culture with recombinant human stem cell factor. Expression of cell surface CD29 (beta 1), CD18 (beta 2), CD61 (beta 3), and beta 5 integrins was investigated on such cells by flow cytometry and adhesion measurements. High surface expression of CD49e, CD51, and CD61 along with kit was apparent by 4 weeks of culture, whereas expression of each at day 0 was low to undetectable. CD29 and CD49d were detected on cells from day 0 to 4 weeks of culture; CD49b, CD49c, CD49f, CD18, and CD54 expression was negligible. The fetal liver-derived mast cells spontaneously adhered to vitronectin. No evidence for degranulation was found during vitronectin-dependent adhesion. Adhesion occurred in part through the CD61/CD51 receptor. No evidence for adhesion to vitronectin through CD29 and beta 5 integrins was obtained. Almost all of the vitronectin-adherent cells expressed CD51, CD61, kit, and tryptase, and exhibited metachromasia with toluidine blue. Thus, among the fetal liver-derived cells, developing mast cells were selectively adherent to vitronectin. These mast cells and the other cell types present also adhere spontaneously to fibronectin and to laminin, this adhesion being partially inhibited by antibodies against CD61 and CD29 integrins. In conclusion, human mast cells acquire functional vitronectin receptors as they develop from fetal liver progenitors under the influence of rhSCF. This may be important for the recruitment, localization, and retention of developing mast cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Platelet activation induced by a murine monoclonal antibody directed against a novel tetra-span antigen.

MAb 14A2.H1 identifies a novel low-abundance platelet surface antigen, PETA-3, which is a member of the tetra-span (TM4) family. This MAb brings about platelet aggregation and mediator release, which is completely inhibitable by prostaglandin E1, and partially inhibitable by aspirin and ketanserin. Platelet activation by MAb 14A2.H1 is dependent on interaction with both the platelet Fc receptor, Fc gamma RII, and the specific antigen as it was prevented by either a blocking MAb to Fc gamma RII (IV.3) or F(ab')2 fragments of 14A2.H1. The extent of platelet activation by the antibody varied considerably between donors, and is believed to reflect the polymorphism of Fc gamma RII. Subaggregating concentrations of 14A2.H1 synergized with other platelet agonists, ADP, adrenaline, collagen and serotonin, indicating signalling via a pathway distinct from these activators. Synergy was also blocked by MAb IV.3, or F(ab')2 fragments of 14A2.H1. The similar low copy number of PETA-3 and Fc gamma RII in the platelet membrane (approximately 1000/platelet), together with the dependence on Fc gamma RII for activation by MAb 14A2.H1, suggests that PETA-3 may be a component of the Fc gamma RII signal transducing complex in platelets.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1995

Dexamethasone inhibits the development of mast cells from dispersed human fetal liver cells cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor.

Human fetal liver cells cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhuSCF) give rise to highly purified mast cell populations. This study examined the effect of steroid hormones on mast cell differentiation. Dispersed fetal liver cells cultured in the presence of rhuSCF at 50 ng/ml and in the presence or absence of various steroid hormones for 4 weeks, were analysed for the presence of mast cells by metachromatic staining with toluidine blue, by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against tryptase, and by immunofluorescent flow cytometry with a monoclonal antibody against Kit. Dexamethasone added to the cultures at day 0 resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of rhuSCF-induced mast cell differentiation with > 85% inhibition seen at a dose of 10(-6) M. A similar effect was seen with hydrocortisone, but not with oestradiol or progesterone. The addition of dexamethasone resulted in decreased DNA synthesis in 14-day-old cultured cells, as assessed by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine. Addition of dexamethasone to 3-week-old SCF-dependent fetal liver mast cells had no significant effect on mast cell survival. Removal of dexamethasone after 3 weeks of culture with SCF did not result in mast cell development. Thus, dexamethasone inhibits SCF-induced development of mast cells from fetal liver cells, but shows no appreciable effect on developed mast cells.

Cell Differentiation↗

PubMed1995

Synergistic action of interleukin-2 and Steel factor (SLF) on a human T lymphoblastoid cell line.

Ten cell lines recently established from paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were examined for expression of P145c-kit, the growth factor receptor encoded by the c-kit proto-oncogene, by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using monoclonal antibody YB5.B8. Three of five T-ALL cell lines, but none of five B lineage ALL cell lines displayed significant binding of the antibody. The cell line with the highest level of binding was PER-423 (Kees et al, Leukemia Res 1993; 17: 51-59 which has the phenotype CD7+, CD56bright, CD2-, CD4-, CD5-, CD8-, CD16-, has rearranged T cell receptor beta-chain genes, expresses cytoplasmic CD3 and is strictly dependent on interleukin 2 (IL-2) for proliferation. Recombinant to act in synergy with IL-2 to promote proliferation of PER-423 cells. In five experiments, SLF increased the maximal amount of proliferation by 105 +/- 15%, and decreased the level of IL-2 required for a half-maximal response by 43 +/- 7%. The cells constitutively express the intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor (beta/gamma), but can be induced in the presence of phorbol ester to express the alpha chain (CD25, Tac) which confers high affinity binding of IL-2. In contrast, the alpha chain was not induced by SLF. The enhancement of proliferation of PER-423 cells by SLF could be prevented by inclusion in the assay of a blocking monoclonal antibody to P145c-kit. These experiments demonstrate that SLF/P145c-kit can provide a significant growth stimulus for ALL cells, and PER-423 cells may be a useful system for investigating the mechanism of synergy between SLF and IL-2.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of c-kit expression by primitive hematopoietic progenitors in umbilical cord blood.

Human umbilical cord blood (CB) appears to be an exciting new source of transplantable stem cells for a variety of clinical conditions. In this study, we have attempted to further characterize the primitive progenitors in CB. First we analyzed the effects of early-acting growth factors on blast cell colony formation from CD34+ progenitors. Addition of Steel factor (SF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to cultures containing interleukin-3 enhanced blast cell colony formation. These results indicated that cell cycle-dormant progenitors are present in CB. Next, based on results obtained in the murine system, we tested whether c-kit expression could separate the CB progenitors into cycle-dormant vs. cycle-active progenitors. Cells were separated into CD34+ c-kit-, c-kitlow, and c-kithigh. The results suggested that the c-kitlow population contains the majority of cycle-dormant progenitors and the c-kithigh population contains most of the forming cells were in the c-kitlow population, while the opposite is true for other colony-forming cells. Expression of c-kit may be useful in identifying CB progenitors with long-term engraftment capability.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

A comparative study of the phenotype and proliferative capacity of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells mobilized by four different protocols and those of steady-phase PB and bone marrow CD34+ cells.

Peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells from four commonly used mobilization protocols were studied to compare their phenotype and proliferative capacity with steady-state PB or bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells. Mobilized PB CD34+ cells were collected during hematopoietic recovery after myelosuppressive chemotherapy with or without granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or during G-CSF administration alone. The expression of activation and lineage-associated markers and c-kit gene product were studied by flow cytometry. Proliferative capacity was measured by generation of nascent myeloid progenitor cells (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; CFU-GM) and nucleated cells in a stroma-free liquid culture stimulated by a combination of six hematopoietic growth factors (interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-3, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and stem cell factor). G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ cells have the highest percentage of CD38- cells (P < .0081), but otherwise, CD34+ cells from different mobilization protocols were similar to one another in their phenotype and proliferative capacity. The spectrum of primitive and mature myeloid progenitors in mobilized PB CD34+ cells was similar to their steady-state counterparts, but the percentages of CD34+ cells expressing CD10 or CD19 were lower (P < .0028). Although steady-state PB and chemotherapy-mobilized CD34+ cells generated fewer CFU-GM at day 21 than G-CSF-mobilized and steady-state BM CD34+ cells (P < .0449), the generation of nucleated cells and CFU-GM were otherwise comparable. The presence of increased or comparable numbers of hematopoietic progenitors within PB collections with equivalent proliferative capacity to BM CD34+ cells is not unexpected given the rapid and complete hematopoietic reconstitution observed with mobilized PB. However, all four types of mobilized PB CD34+ cells are different from steady-state BM CD34+ cells in that they express less c-kit (P < .0002) and CD71 (P < .04) and retain less rhodamine 123 (P < .0001). These observations are novel and suggest that different mobilization protocols may act via similar pathways involving the down-regulation of c-kit and may be independent of cell-cycle status.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗

PubMed1994

Interleukin-4 inhibits the expression of Kit and tryptase during stem cell factor-dependent development of human mast cells from fetal liver cells.

Although interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mice is known to augment the proliferation of mast cells and to modulate the expression of certain mast cell protease transcripts, its effect on human mast cells is less well understood. The current study examined the effects of recombinant human IL-4 (rhuIL-4) on stem cell factor (SCF)-dependent fetal liver-derived human mast cells in liquid culture. In no case did rhuIL-4 augment proliferation of mast cells. rhuIL-4 selectively inhibited certain aspects of the development of mast cells in cultures of fetal liver cells with rhuSCF. These include lower numbers and percentages of cells expressing tryptase and surface Kit, smaller cells, and lower contents of cells for tryptase, histamine, and Kit. Development of metachromasia was not attenuated. The downregulation of Kit, the surface receptor for SCF, is probably a critical factor, because cells lacking this molecule would not be able to respond to SCF. In contrast to mast cell progenitors, mast cells already developed in vitro from fetal liver cells are relatively resistant to rhuIL-4, but are still dependent for survival on the presence of rhuSCF.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗