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Structure of the rat platelet factor 4 gene: a marker for megakaryocyte differentiation.

A rat platelet factor 4 (PF4) cDNA has been isolated by immunoscreening a g lambda 11 rat megakaryocyte cDNA expression library. Sequence analysis of the rat PF4 cDNA revealed that this megakaryocyte protein is composed of a leader sequence of 29 amino acid residues and a mature protein sequence of 76 amino acid residues. The structure of rat PF4 derived from its cDNA shows a marked homology with the amino acid sequence of human PF4 obtained by classical protein chemistry techniques. This observation is particularly striking with regard to the carboxy-terminal region of rat and human PF4, where 28 of the last 31 C-terminal residues are identical. The rat PF4 gene was obtained from a rat genomic library by using rat PF4 cDNA as a hybridization probe. Sequence analysis showed that the gene is constructed of three exons and two short introns. The transcriptional start site is located 73 base pairs upstream of the translational start codon as judged by S1 nuclease mapping and primer extension. The 5' noncoding region of the gene also exhibited a sequence homologous to the TATA box at -31, as well as a series of direct and inverted repeat sequences and a cluster of 26 T residues at -155 to -218. This latter domain may be involved in regulating PF4 gene expression during megakaryocytopoiesis.

Animals↗

Clearance of human platelet factor 4 by liver and kidney: its alteration by heparin.

Human 125I-labeled platelet factor 4 (PF4) injected into rabbits showed a biphasic exponential pattern of disappearance from the circulation [half-life of the fast components was 0.75 min, that of the slow components was 20 min] that was not affected by a 1,000-fold excess of unlabeled PF4. Heparin resulted in a single-compartment disappearance of 125I-labeled PF4 (half-life = 25-40 min). Five minutes after injection of 125I-labeled PF4 greater than 40% radioactivity had accumulated in the liver and 4% in the kidney. At that time, accumulation of 125I-labeled beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) in the organs was low, approximately 4% in the kidneys and less than 3.0% in the liver. Nuclear imaging studies revealed rapid clearance of 131I-labeled PF4 from blood and its predominant accumulation in the liver. The half-lives of 131I-labeled PF4 radioactivity in liver and kidney were 96 and 252 min, fitting a single-compartment model. 131I-labeled beta-TG accumulated predominantly in the kidney. The half-lives of 131I-labeled beta-TG radioactivity in the kidney and in the liver were 84 and 414 min. Simultaneous or subsequent injection of heparin did not affect the distribution of 131I-labeled beta-TG but caused partial loss of 131I-labeled PF4 radioactivity from the liver and accelerated its appearance in the urinary bladder. Injection of heparin resulted in a 100-fold increase of excretion in the urine of 125I-labeled Pf4 precipitable by 10% trichloroacetic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Transgenic mice studies demonstrate a role for platelet factor 4 in thrombosis: dissociation between anticoagulant and antithrombotic effect of heparin.

The platelet-specific chemokine platelet factor 4 (PF4) is released in large amounts at sites of vascular injury. PF4 binds to heparin with high affinity, but its in vivo biologic role has not been defined. We studied the role of PF4 in thrombosis using heterozygote and homozygote PF4 knock-out mice (mPF4(+/-) and mPF4(-/-), respectively) and transgenic mice overexpressing human PF4 (hPF4(+)). None of these lines had an overt bleeding diathesis, but in a FeCl(3) carotid artery thrombosis model, all showed impaired thrombus formation. This defect in thrombus formation in the mPF4(-/-) animals was corrected by infusing hPF4 over a narrow concentration range. The thrombotic defect in the mPF4(+/-) and mPF4(-/-) animals was particularly sensitive to infusions of the negatively charged anticoagulant heparin. However, the same amount of heparin paradoxically normalized thrombus formation in the hPF4(+) animals, although these animals were anticoagulated systemically. Upon infusion of the positively charged protein, protamine sulfate, the reverse was observed with mPF4(+/-) and mPF4(-/-) animals having improved thrombosis, with the hPF4(+) animals having worsened thrombus formation. These studies support an important role for PF4 in thrombosis, and show that neutralization of PF4 is an important component of heparin's anticoagulant effect. The mechanisms underlying these observations of PF4 biology and their clinical implications remain to be determined.

Animals↗

Differential and additive effects of platelet-derived chemokines on monocyte arrest on inflamed endothelium under flow conditions.

Platelet-derived chemokines, such as regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES; CC chemokine ligand 5), platelet factor 4 [PF4; CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4)], and epithelial neutrophil-activating protein 78 (ENA-78; CXCL5), or precursors, such as beta-thromboglobulin, which can be processed to neutrophil-activating protein-2 (NAP-2; CXCL7), may play an important role in monocyte recruitment during atherogenesis. Platelets can deposit chemokines on inflamed endothelium; however, little is known about differential or additive effects of platelet chemokines on monocyte arrest. Here, we demonstrate that preincubation of activated human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) with RANTES, PF4, or NAP-2 but not ENA-78 dose-dependently increased surface immobilization and subsequent monocyte arrest in flow. RANTES was the most potent and efficient arrest chemokine. Pretreatment of HMVECs with beta-thromboglobulin enhanced monocyte arrest in the presence of cathepsin G generating NAP-2. Combined pretreatment of HMVECs with RANTES and PF4 at suboptimal concentrations synergistically increased arrest, and preincubation with chondroitinase ABC abrogated RANTES- and PF4-induced monocyte arrest. This was associated with reduced expression of chondroitin sulfate, RANTES, and PF4 on the HMVEC surface. Perfusion of HMVECs with platelets known to deposit RANTES and PF4 on the endothelial surface enhanced monocyte arrest, which was inhibited by Met-RANTES, chondroitinase, or a blocking antibody to PF4 but not to ENA-78. The relevance of platelet-derived chemokines was confirmed in adhesion assays with activated whole blood, where Met-RANTES and to a lesser extent, antibodies to PF4 and NAP-2 inhibited arrest of CD14-positive monocytes. Thus, multiple platelet-derived chemokines and processable precursors, which can be presented by specific endothelial proteoglycans, may contribute and cooperate differentially to induce monocyte recruitment.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Live attenuated Salmonella carrying platelet factor 4 cDNAs as radioprotectors.

To determine whether live attenuated Salmonella carrying platelet factor 4 cDNAs can protect mice from radiation damage, the attenuated Salmonella SL3261 was used as oral vector for targeted gene delivery. The recovery of mice receiving sublethal total-body irradiation (TBI) was investigated after the oral administration of attenuated Salmonella carrying cDNA for platelet factor 4 (PF4) or truncated PF4. This oral gene therapy protected mice from radiation damage after TBI. The number of bone marrow cells and high proliferative potential colony-forming cells (HPP-CFCs) increased significantly at day 7. Similarly, the administration of PF4 or PF4(17-70) protein also improved the survival of mice after TBI. Both PF4 gene therapy and protein administration accelerated hematopoietic recovery in vivo in mice after irradiation. In vitro, PF4 also promoted survival and proliferation of 5-fluorouracil-resistant hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells after irradiation. These data demonstrate a novel biological function of PF4 as a protector against radiation injury and suggest that attenuated Salmonella could be used in vivo as a PF4 DNA delivery vector in the management of radiation injury.

Administration, Oral↗

The CXC-chemokine platelet factor 4 promotes monocyte survival and induces monocyte differentiation into macrophages.

Unstimulated monocytes rapidly undergo physiological changes resulting in programmed cell death (apoptosis) while stimuli promoting differentiation of these cells into macrophages were shown to inhibit apoptotic processes. In the present study, we report that the platelet-derived alpha-chemokine platelet factor 4 (PF4) induces the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, as is evident from morphological changes as well as from the up-regulation of differentiation markers (carboxypeptidase M/MAX1 and CD71). Significant alterations of the phenotype were observed after 72 hours of culture in the presence of the chemokine and required a minimal concentration of 625 nmol/L PF4. PF4-induced macrophages were characterized by a lack of HLA-DR antigen on their surface but showed a strong increase in the expression of the CD28 ligand B7-2. Furthermore, PF4 stimulation prevented monocytes from undergoing spontaneous apoptosis during 72 hours of culture as determined in an annexin-V-binding assay. Although PF4 induced the secretion of relevant amounts of TNF-alpha, neutralizing antibodies directed against TNF-alpha or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) did not revert PF4-induced rescue from programmed cell death, suggesting that PF4 exerts its antiapoptotic effects in a TNF-alpha- or GM-CSF-independent fashion. On the basis of these results, we propose a novel role for PF4 in the control of monocyte differentiation during an inflammatory process in vivo. (Blood. 2000;95:1158-1166)

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Platelet factor 4 induces human natural killer cells to synthesize and release interleukin-8.

We provide evidence that platelet factor 4 (PF4), but not the related chemokine neutrophil-activating polypeptide-2, induced highly purified human natural killer (NK) cells to produce interleukin (IL)-8 in a time- and dosage-dependent manner. This ability was retained even while PF4 was bound to heparin. PF4 increased the steady state level of IL-8 mRNA, likely implying a transcriptional effect of PF4. Stimulation of NK cells through the Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G-IIIA was found to synergistically increase the effect of PF4 on IL-8 production but did not affect IL-2-related activities such as cytotoxic activity and proliferation. Pertussis toxin did not block the PF4-derived IL-8 production in NK cells, but this response was sensitive to wortmannin, implicating a role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the intracellular signaling pathway triggered by PF4. Our results characterize a new capacity for PF4 and provide further evidence for the pivotal role of NK cells in the environment of inflammation.

Adult↗

Characterization of the human beta-thromboglobulin gene. Comparison with the gene for platelet factor 4.

beta-Thromboglobulin (beta TG) is a platelet alpha-granule protein that is released in large amounts following platelet activation. This protein has approximately 70% amino acid identity with another platelet alpha granule protein, platelet factor 4 (PF4), and approximately 30% identity with other members of a family of proteins encoded by the small inducible genes (SIG) that are involved in the overlapping processes of inflammation, wound repair, and coagulation. Thus, the isolated beta TG gene is of interest in that it may further increase our understanding of beta TG's biological role, the regulation of its megakaryocytic-specific nature of expression, and the evolution and divergence of the SIG family. Using a beta TG cDNA isolated from a DAMI cell cDNA library, we cloned the corresponding beta TG gene. The gene is 1,139 base pairs (bp) long, and, like other members of the SIG family, the beta TG gene is divided into 3 exons. Two major transcriptional start sites were defined by primer extension analysis of platelet RNA, and, based on the more commonly used start site, the 5'-untranslated region is 87 bp. A TATA box is present beginning 32 bp upstream to this site. The first exon contains the 5'-untranslated region as well as the signal peptide. The second exon begins 6 bp 3' to the homologous site in PF4, and the third exon begins at a position homologous to that in PF4. Interestingly, the beta TG and PF4 genes have little detectable homology in the flanking or intronic sequences. In particular, a pyrimidine tract 5' to both the rat and human PF4 genes is not present in the upstream region of the beta TG gene. Genomic Southern blot analysis suggests that, as with the PF4 gene, there are multiple copies of the beta TG gene in the human genome. Chromosomal localization using polymerase chain reaction analysis of human/hamster somatic cell hybrids demonstrated that the beta TG gene, like the PF4 gene, is located on chromosome 4. It is, therefore, possible that the beta TG and PF4 gene form a single genomic locus on chromosome 4 whose members become coordinately activated during megakaryocyte differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Platelet factor 4 gene expression in a human megakaryocytic leukemia cell line (CMK) and its differentiated subclone (CMK11-5).

The human cell line CMK spontaneously expresses megakaryocytic characteristics and can be induced to differentiate into mature megakaryocytes after exposure to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). In comparison with CMK, we have examined the characteristics of a subclone, designated as CMK11-5, that is morphologically larger than the parent clone CMK and contains multinucleated giant cells. All CMK11-5 cells were positive for platelet peroxidase (PPO) activity, and some contained abundant alpha-granules and well-developed demarcation membranes. CMK cells had few demarcation membranes and alpha-granules, and 10% of these cells were found not to possess PPO activity. Phenotypic analysis revealed the percentage of CMK11-5 cells for platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa (CD41a), and GPIIIa (CD61) was greater than that for CMK cells. On the basis of these findings, CMK11-5 cells were considered to be more differentiated than CMK cells. We further examined the expression of GPIIb and platelet factor 4 (PF4) mRNA by Northern blot hybridization using 32P-labeled cDNA probes for GPIIb and PF4 in CMK and CMK11-5 cells. CMK cells exhibited mRNA for GPIIb, and its expression was augmented by TPA addition, but not PF4. In contrast, CMK11-5 cells were found to contain mRNA for GPIIb and PF4, and their mRNA levels were increased by the addition of TPA. The immunoreactive PF4 antigen was not detected in the TPA-treated CMK11-5 cells or in the culture medium of these cells. These results indicate that expression of mRNA for PF4 is a useful marker for the identification of mature megakaryocytes. Detection of mRNA for PF4 is a more sensitive method for characterization of megakaryocytic cells than that for the PF4 antigen.

Blotting, Northern↗

Platelet factor 4 release induced by intravenous administration of heparin.

When heparin is injected intravenously, it can induce an immediate release of platelet factor 4 PF4), probably from the non-platelet pool of endothelial cells. We evaluated this release in a group of normal subjects and patients with cardiovascular disorders or thrombocytosis after an intravenous injection of a bolus of 5,000 I.U. of a commercial mucous heparin. The mean level in normals was 102 +/- 32 (range 50-160) ng/ml and no correlation was found before and after heparin injection between PF4 and heparin level, body weight or platelet count. Only three cardiovascular patients had an elevated level of PF4 released by heparin (HR-PF4) that could be the expression of an increased platelet turnover, whereas all the patients with thrombocytosis had an extremely elevated level of HR-PF4. These patients have much more PF4 available for the binding sites of endothelial cells since only a small percentage of potential binding sites are normally occupied "in vivo". Although no correlation could be found between platelet count and HR-PF4 in subjects with a normal platelet count or in patients with thrombocytosis there was a positive correlation, however, when all the cases were considered together. The other proteins with heparin affinity, B-thromboglobulin, antithrombin III and fibronectin were not influenced by a bolus of heparin and did not correlate in normals as well in patients with HR-PF4.

Adolescent↗

Cloning and characterization of platelet factor 4 cDNA derived from a human erythroleukemic cell line.

We report the isolation of a platelet factor 4 (PF4) cDNA clone from a lambda gt11 expression cDNA library which was derived from a human erythroleukemic (HEL) cell line. The sequence of the DNA insert includes the 3'-untranslated region, the entire amino acid coding region for the mature PF4 protein, and a 5' region containing coding information for an additional 18 amino acids. In addition, supplemental genomic DNA sequencing shows that the full-length leader sequence is 30 amino acids long plus an initial methionine and codes for a hydrophobic signal-like sequence which is probably involved in transmembrane transport. A single species mRNA of approximately 800 nucleotides was detected on blots of HEL cell poly(A) + RNA using a labeled PF4 cDNA probe. The human PF4 leader sequence shares some DNA, but no amino acid, homology with the 15 amino acids at the N-terminus of mature bovine PF4, suggesting rapid divergence in this region of PF4 between these two species. Sequence comparison of the coding regions of mature PF4 and gamma IP-10, a protein induced in a variety of cells following treatment with gamma-interferon, shows a corrected divergence of 76%. The divergence of a common ancestor protein into PF4 and gamma IP-10 may have accompanied the development of sophisticated immune and coagulation systems in vertebrates. The availability of cDNA and genomic DNA information for these genes in other species will be useful in studying the evolution of the coagulation and immune systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The mechanism of thrombin-induced platelet factor 4 secretion.

We have measured thrombin-induced secretion of platelet factor 4 antigen (PF4) and simultaneously followed its intracellular translocation by immunofluorescence. In permeable resting platelets, speckled intracellular immunofluorescent staining for PF4 was observed. Addition of thrombin to washed platelets at 22 degrees C resulted in secretion of PF4 and formation of large (approximately 0.5 micrometer) immunofluorescent masses. These masses moved to the cell periphery during secretion and were virtually absent at the conclusion of secretion. Ultrastructural examination of thrombin-treated platelets revealed vacuoles corresponding in size, shape, and time of occurrence to the large immunofluorescent masses of PF4. These vacuoles contained PF4 by immunoferritin staining of frozen thin sections; they therefore appear to represent the ultrastructural counterpart of the large PF4 masses. When intact cells were stained for PF4 after thrombin addition, only 5.6% of the large masses stained. Thus, during secretion, PF4 antigen is consolidated into large closed pools that appear as vacuoles in the electron microscope.

Antigens↗

Heparin-releasable platelet factor 4 in patients with coronary artery disease.

Recently, platelet factor 4 (PF4) release by heparin (heparin-releasable PF4) has been examined as a useful marker of the interaction between the substances liberated from circulating platelets and the vascular endothelium. We compared the plasma levels of PF4 and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) after intravenous heparin injection in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and normal control subjects. We also studied the effects of low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) on the plasma level of heparin-releasable PF4 in the CAD patients. Blood samples were obtained before and 5 min after the intravenous injection of heparin (1,000 IU) from 23 patients with CAD and 15 normal control subjects. Although the plasma beta-TG level remained unchanged after heparin injection, the plasma PF4 level markedly increased in both groups. There was a significant difference in plasma PF4 levels at 5 min after heparin injection between the CAD group (100.1 +/- 38.1) and the control group (61.0 +/- 24.0) (p less than 0.01). The PF4/beta-TG ratio after heparin injection was also higher in the CAD group than in the control group (p less than 0.01). There was a correlation between the PF4/beta-TG ratio after heparin and the Gensini CAD score, which defines the severity of coronary atherosclerosis (r = 0.489, n = 23, p less than 0.01). Low-dose aspirin was administered to 11 CAD patients for 246.0 +/- 28.8 days. Blood samples for the assay of PF4 and beta-TG were obtained as stated above, and platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) levels were also measured before and during aspirin administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Evaluation of the effects of catheter sampling for the study of platelet behavior in the pulmonary and coronary circulation.

To study the effects of sampling through cardiac catheters on indices of platelet function, we measured the levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), beta thromboglobulin (BTG), and platelet aggregate ratio (PAR) in 10 patients with atrioventricular accessory pathway (AVNAP), six patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), and six patients with critical narrowing of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In AVNAP and LAD patients samples were drawn simultaneously from a peripheral vein, coronary sinus, and brachial artery; in AVNAP patients samples were also obtained from the axillary vein before the coronary sinus was entered. In PPH patients samples were drawn from pulmonary artery, aorta, and a peripheral vein; in these patients the effects of an intravenous infusion of prostacyclin (PGI2) (2 to 8 ng/kg/min) on PF4, BTG, and PAR were also studied at all sampling sites. In all patients arterial, coronary sinus, pulmonary arterial, and axillary venous levels of PF4, BTG, and PAR significantly exceeded those measured in the peripheral vein. PGI2 infusion resulted in a significant decrease of PF4 at all sampling sites, while no consistent BTG changes were observed and PAR levels did not decrease in the peripheral vein. Although a considerable interpatient variability in PF4 levels was observed, a significant (r = 0.91) correlation was found in patients with AVNAP between simultaneous coronary sinus and arterial PF4 levels. The value of PF4 coronary sinus-arterial difference in LAD patients was consistently higher than that calculated in AVNAP patients (54.5 +/- 28.9 vs 4.2 +/- 3.8 ng/ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

The in vivo release of human platelet factor 4 by heparin.

Intravenous and subcutaneous injection of heparin or the heparin analogue SSHA into normal volunteers induced release of platelet factor 4 (PF4) but not beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG). At low heparin doses the amount of PF4 released was related to the plasma heparin concentration achieved. The rise in plasma PF4 was coincident with, and appeared to be a response to, the increase in plasma heparin concentration rather than to the absolute heparin level. After the primary response, the system became refractory to further challenge by the same heparin dose; the full initial magnitude of the response was not regained until 144 h. after heparin was first injected. The maximum amount of PF4 released corresponded to only about 5% of that potentially available from platelets. Moreover, heparin did not stimulate PF4 release from whole blood in vitro. We have demonstrated the presence of PF4 on the vascular endothelium, and suggest that this is the immediate source of the PF4 released by heparin, though it is probably initially derived from platelets. The effect of such binding on the antithrombotic potential of the endothelial surface is discussed.

Animals↗

Platelet factor 4 does not promote von Willebrand factor binding to human platelets.

Ristocetin, protamine and Polybrene promote factor VIII:vWF binding and agglutination of formalinized platelets. It has been suggested that these polycations neutralize platelet negative surface charges and promote the attachment of VIII:vWF to platelets. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), protamine, and Polybrene inhibit heparin activity by neutralizing heparin negative charges. We tested the hypothesis that PF4, which is bound to the platelet surface after platelet activation and secretion, could promote the binding of VIII:vWF and subsequent platelet agglutination. Purified PF4 in concentrations comparable to those of ristocetin did not agglutinate formalinized platelets or induce the disappearance of VIII:vWF from the suspending plasma. Platelets were thrombin-treated in order to induce the release of PF4, and then formalinized and resuspended in normal plasma. These platelets did not agglutinate spontaneously, or at lower ristocetin concentrations than platelets that were not treated with thrombin before formalin fixation. Platelets were also activated by thrombin in the presence of EDTA to prevent surface binding of VIII:vWF or secreted PF4, and then formalinized. These platelets did not bind VIII:vWF in the presence of purified PF4. We conclude that even though PF4 binds to both polyanions and the platelet membrane, it does not promote the attachment of VIII:vWF.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Binding of platelet factor 4 to heparin oligosaccharides.

Heparin fractions of differing Mr (7800-18 800) prepared from commercial heparin by gel filtration and affinity chromatography on immobilized anti-thrombin III had specific activities when determined by anti-Factor Xa and anti-thrombin assays that ranged from 228 to 448 units/mg. The anti-Factor Xa activity of these fractions could be readily and totally neutralized by increasing concentrations of platelet factor 4 (PF4). That these fractions bound to immobilized PF4 was indicated by the complete binding under near physiological conditions of 3H-labelled unfractionated commercial heparin. An anti-thrombin III-binding oligosaccharide preparation (containing predominantly eight to ten saccharide units), prepared by degradation of heparin with HNO2 had high (800 units/mg) anti-Factor Xa, but negligible anti-thrombin, specific activity. The anti-Factor Xa activity of this material could not be readily neutralized by PF4, and the 3H-labelled oligosaccharides did not completely bind to immobilized PF4. A heterogeneous anti-thrombin III-binding preparation containing upwards of 16 saccharides had anti-thrombin specific activity of just less than one-half the anti-Factor Xa specific activity. This material was completely bound to immobilized PF4 and was eluted with similar concentrations of NaCl to those that were required to elute unfractionated heparins from these columns. Furthermore, increasing concentrations of PF4 neutralized the anti-Factor Xa activity of this material in a manner similar to that of unfractionated heparin. It is concluded that heparin oligosaccharides require saccharide units in addition to the anti-thrombin III-binding sequence in order to fully interact with PF4.

Antithrombins↗

Both Ets-1 and GATA-1 are essential for positive regulation of platelet factor 4 gene expression.

In the rat platelet factor 4 (PF4) promoter, Ets motifs and GATA motifs are located at positions -880, -75 and -135, -30, respectively, and their motifs are found in the promoter region of most megakaryocyte protein genes. In order to investigate how the Ets and GATA motifs affect PF4 promoter activity, we constructed Ets and/or GATA motif mutant genes. A single disruption of either -75Ets, -135GATA, or -30GATA significantly reduced PF4 promoter activity, and double disruptions involving these motifs completely abolished it. Furthermore, gel-retardation assays revealed that Ets-1 and GATA-1 proteins from HEL and MEG-01 cells bound to the Ets motifs and GATA motifs, respectively. Co-transfection experiments showed that the overexpression of Ets-1 and/or GATA-1 enhanced the expression of the PF4 promoter reporter gene. These effects of Ets-1 and GATA-1 on PF4 promoter activity are additive. When HEL cells were treated with dimethylsulfoxide in order to induce differentiation into megakaryocytes, the mRNA level of ets-1 increased 10-fold, which might be directly correlated with the significant increase in PF4 mRNA level induced by dimethylsulfoxide. All these results strongly suggest that both Ets-1 and GATA-1 play key roles in the positive regulation of PF4 gene expression.

Base Sequence↗