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Najet Debili

Publications and source records attributed to Najet Debili.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Interrelation between polyploidization and megakaryocyte differentiation: a gene profiling approach.

Polyploidization is a part of the normal developmental process leading to platelet production during megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation. Ploidization is mainly involved in cell enlargement, but it is not clear whether gene expression is modified during MK ploidization. In this study, human MKs were grown from CD34(+) cells in the presence of thrombopoietin and sorted according to their ploidy level. A pangenomic microarray technique was applied to compare gene expression in 2N-, 4N-, 8N-, and 16N-sorted MKs. Using hierarchical clustering, we demonstrated that 2N and 4N MKs or 8N and 16N MKs are 2 different close populations with 105 discriminating genes. In the second approach, we determined the profile of genes that were continuously down- and up-regulated during polyploidization. Among the 100 down-regulated genes, 24 corresponded to genes involved in DNA replication and repair. The great majority of up-regulated genes corresponded to genes directly involved in platelet functions, such as genes encoding specific platelet glycoproteins and alpha-granule proteins, actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, factors involved in signaling, and transport proteins. Together, these results suggest that MK polyploidization per se does not regulate gene expression but is intrinsically included in the differentiation process.

Antigens, CD34↗

Evidence that the JAK2 G1849T (V617F) mutation occurs in a lymphomyeloid progenitor in polycythemia vera and idiopathic myelofibrosis.

The JAK2 V617F mutation has recently been described as an essential oncogenic event associated with polycythemia vera (PV), idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF), and essential thrombocythemia. This mutation has been detected in all myeloid lineages but has not yet been detected in lymphoid cells. This raises the question whether this molecular event occurs in a true lymphomyeloid progenitor cell. In this work, we studied the presence of the mutation in peripheral blood cells and sorted B, T, and natural killer (NK) cells from PV and IMF. We detected the JAK2 V617F mutation in B and NK cells in approximately half the patients with IMF and a minority of those with PV. Moreover, in a few cases patients with IMF had mutated peripheral T cells. The mutation (homozygous or heterozygous) could be subsequently detected in B/NK/myeloid progenitors from PV and IMF, with a much higher frequency in clones derived from IMF. Using the fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC) assay, the mutation was also detected in all T-cell fractions derived from IMF and PV CD34+ cells. These results demonstrate that myeloproliferative disorders take their origin in a true myeloid/lymphoid progenitor cell but that their phenotype is related to a downstream selective proliferative advantage of the myeloid lineages.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Transfer of differentiation signal by membrane microvesicles harboring hedgehog morphogens.

Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are considered diffusible morphogens that can be membrane anchored, playing an essential role during development. Here we show that Hh morphogens are associated with microvesicles (MVs) shed from the plasma membrane of apoptotic/stimulated T cells. Hh+ MVs induced differentiation of human K562 pluripotent erythroleukemic cells toward megakaryocytic lineage, as testified to by the expression of alpha(IIb)beta3 integrin and CD42b and changes in the cell cycle. Blocking Hh pathway with either cyclopamine, neutralizing antibodies, or inhibitors of the protein kinase A pathway resulted in the inhibition of these effects. Activation of Hh signaling by SAG, a synthetic agonist, mimicked effects of Hh+ MVs on K562 cells. Human Hh+ MVs, circulating in vivo or derived from apoptotic/stimulated lymphocytes from healthy and diabetic individuals, elicited K562 cell differentiation, also inhibited by cyclopamine. In addition, Hh+ MV-treated primary human CD34+ cells presented an increase of CD41+ CD42- and CD41+ CD42+ megakaryocytic populations with an increase of corresponding polyploidy, both being reduced by blockers of the Hh pathway. Because virtually all cell types undergo plasma membrane remodeling when stimulated, derived MVs can therefore be considered true vectors in the transfer of morphogen-borne biologic information to remote responsive cells, and thereby contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis.

Antigens, CD34↗

Impaired megakaryocytopoiesis in type 2B von Willebrand disease with severe thrombocytopenia.

In type 2B von Willebrand disease, there is spontaneous binding of mutated von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers to platelets. Here we report a family in which severe thrombocytopenia may also be linked to abnormal megakaryocytopoiesis. A heterozygous mutation in the VWF A1 domain gave a R1308P substitution in an interactive site for glycoprotein Ibalpha (GPIbalpha). Electron microscopy showed clusters of platelets in close contact. Binding of antibodies to the GPIbalpha N-terminal domain was decreased, whereas GPIX and GPV were normally detected. In Western blotting (WB), GPIbalpha, alphaIIb, and beta3 were normally present. Proteins involved in Ca(2+) homeostasis were analyzed by quantitating platelet mRNA or by WB. Plasma membrane Ca(2+) ATPase (PMCA)-4b and type III inositol trisphosphate receptor (InsP(3)-R3) were selectively increased. The presence of degradation products of polyadenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase protein (PARP) suggested ongoing caspase-3 activity. These were findings typical of immature normal megakaryocytes cultured from peripheral blood CD34(+) cells with TPO. Significantly, megakaryocytes from the patients in culture produced self-associated and interwoven proplatelets. Immunolocalization showed VWF not only associated with platelets, but already on the megakaryocyte surface and within internal channels. In this family, type 2B VWD is clearly associated with abnormal platelet production.

Blood Platelets↗

Deficiency in the Wiskott-Aldrich protein induces premature proplatelet formation and platelet production in the bone marrow compartment.

The pathophysiology of microthrombocytopenia in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and its milder form, X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT), is unclear. Although quantitative defects are correctable by splenectomy, residual platelet abnormalities are suggestive of intrinsic disturbances of production. In contrast to human patients, murine models of WASp deficiency exhibit only mild thrombocytopenia, and platelets are of normal size. Here, we have identified a critical role for WASp during murine platelet biogenesis. By electron microscopy, WASp-deficient MKs appeared to have shed platelets ectopically within the bone marrow space. WASp-deficient megakaryocytes (MKs) also displayed defects in response to fibrillar collagen I (CI) in vitro, the major matrix component of bone. These included a loss of normal CI receptor (alpha2beta1 integrin)-mediated inhibition of proplatelet formation, a marked abrogation of SDF-1-induced chemotactic migration of CD41+ MKs adherent to CI, and an almost complete lack of actin-rich podosomes, normally induced by interaction between CI and its receptors GPVI or alpha2beta1 integrin. These findings highlight the central and highly specialized role of WASp in MKs during platelet biogenesis, and may provide a mechanism for the mild thrombocytopenia observed in WASp-deficient mice. In addition, they suggest a novel explanation for some of the platelet abnormalities characteristic of patients with WAS.

Animals↗

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates both proliferation of megakaryocyte progenitors and late stages of megakaryocyte differentiation.

A major determinant in platelet production is the megakaryocyte (MK) size that is regulated both by ploidization and the increase in cytoplasmic volume at the end of maturation. Here we investigated the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in the regulation of megakaryopoiesis. We show that phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K1, and 4E-BP1 was diminished in thrombopoietin-cultured human MKs after rapamycin treatment. Rapamycin induced an inhibition in the G1/S transition and a decrease in the mean MK ploidy via a diminution of p21 and cyclin D3 occurring at a transcriptional level. Both cycling (2N/4N) and polyploid (8N/16N) MKs were reduced in size, with a size reduction slightly more pronounced in mature polyploid MKs than in immature ones. Rapamycin also induced a delay in the expression of MK markers and prevented the generation of proplatelet MKs. Additional experiments performed in vitro with MKs from mutant mice showed that the decrease in mean ploidy level and the delay in MK differentiation in the presence of rapamycin were less pronounced in CdknIa (p21)-/- MKs than in CdknIa (p21)+/+ MKs. These findings indicate that the mTOR pathway plays an important role during megakaryopoiesis by regulating ploidy, cell size, and maturation, in part by regulating p21 and cyclin D3.

Animals↗

Role for the nuclear factor kappaB pathway in transforming growth factor-beta1 production in idiopathic myelofibrosis: possible relationship with FK506 binding protein 51 overexpression.

The release of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the bone marrow microenvironment is one of the main mechanisms leading to myelofibrosis in murine models and probably in the human idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). The regulation of TGF-beta1 synthesis is poorly known but seems regulated by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). We previously described the overexpression of an immunophilin, FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51), in IMF megakaryocytes. Gel shift and gene assays show that FKBP51's overexpression in a factor-dependent hematopoietic cell line, induces a sustained NF-kappaB activation after cytokine deprivation. This activation correlates with a low level of IkappaBalpha. A spontaneous activation of NF-kappaB was also detected in proliferating megakaryocytes and in circulating CD34(+) patient cells. In normal cells, NF-kappaB activation was only detected after cytokine treatment. The expression of an NF-kappaB superrepressor in FKBP51 overexpressing cells and in derived megakaryocytes from CD34(+) of IMF patients revealed that NF-kappaB activation was not involved in the resistance to apoptosis after cytokine deprivation of these cells but in TGF-beta1 secretion. These results highlight the importance of NF-kappaB's activation in the fibrosis development of this disease. They also suggest that FKBP51's overexpression in IMF cells could play an important role in the pathogenesis of this myeloproliferative disorder.

Antigens, CD34↗

AIF deficiency compromises oxidative phosphorylation.

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein that, after apoptosis induction, translocates to the nucleus where it participates in apoptotic chromatinolysis. Here, we show that human or mouse cells lacking AIF as a result of homologous recombination or small interfering RNA exhibit high lactate production and enhanced dependency on glycolytic ATP generation, due to severe reduction of respiratory chain complex I activity. Although AIF itself is not a part of complex I, AIF-deficient cells exhibit a reduced content of complex I and of its components, pointing to a role of AIF in the biogenesis and/or maintenance of this polyprotein complex. Harlequin mice with reduced AIF expression due to a retroviral insertion into the AIF gene also manifest a reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the retina and in the brain, correlating with reduced expression of complex I subunits, retinal degeneration, and neuronal defects. Altogether, these data point to a role of AIF in OXPHOS and emphasize the dual role of AIF in life and death.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Differential regulation of actin stress fiber assembly and proplatelet formation by alpha2beta1 integrin and GPVI in human megakaryocytes.

The actin cytoskeleton plays a major role in platelet function. In contrast, its precise role in the function of megakaryocytes (MKs) is less understood but may be important for a chemoattractive response and an efficient proplatelet formation. In the marrow microenvironment, mature MKs are in contact with the extracellular matrix, including fibrillar collagen type I. MKs express alpha2beta1 integrin and the immunoglobulin superfamily member glycoprotein VI (GPVI), the main receptors for collagen. Using function-blocking antibodies or specific ligands, we investigated in primary human MKs how alpha2beta1 integrin and GPVI regulate stress fiber formation, the primary actin structures needed for cell contraction. Stress fiber assembly requires synergistic activation of the MAPK/Erk1/2 pathway and the small guanosine triphosphatase Rho via its effector, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK). alpha2beta1 integrin is crucial for stress fiber formation, whereas GPVI triggers rapid and sustained activation of the Erk1/2 pathway. Strikingly, after a longer adhesion time, proplatelet formation was significantly inhibited by the engagement of alpha2beta1 integrin, not by GPVI, likely through the Rho/ROCK pathway. Thus, proplatelet formation in human MKs could be tightly regulated by differential interactions with their collagen receptors. We propose that this interaction with collagen prevents proplatelet formation within the marrow.

Blood Platelets↗

Translocation of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein c-IAP1 from the nucleus to the Golgi in hematopoietic cells undergoing differentiation: a nuclear export signal-mediated event.

The caspase inhibitor and RING finger-containing protein cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (c-IAP1) has been shown to be involved in both apoptosis inhibition and signaling by members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. The protein is regulated transcriptionally (eg, is a target for nuclear factor-kappaB [NF-kappaB]) and can be inhibited by mitochondrial proteins released in the cytoplasm upon apoptotic stimuli. The present study indicates that an additional level of regulation of c-IAP1 may be cell compartmentalization. The protein is present in the nucleus of undifferentiated U937 and THP1 monocytic cell lines. When these cells undergo differentiation under phorbol ester exposure, c-IAP1 translocates to the cytoplasmic side of the Golgi apparatus. This redistribution involves a nuclear export signal (NES)-mediated, leptomycin B-sensitive mechanism. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we localized the functional NES motif in the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) of c-IAP1. A nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of the protein was also observed in human monocytes as well as in tumor cells from epithelial origin when undergoing differentiation. c-IAP1 does not translocate from the nucleus of cells whose differentiation is blocked (ie, in cell lines and monocytes from transgenic mice overexpressing B-cell lymphoma 2 [Bcl-2] and in monocytes from patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia). Altogether, these observations associate c-IAP1 cellular location with cell differentiation, which opens new perspectives on the functions of the protein.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Thrombopoietin responsiveness reflects the number of doublings undergone by megakaryocyte progenitors.

To assess the variation of thrombopoietin (TPO) responsiveness associated with megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor amplification, TPO dose-response curves were obtained for normal human, single-cell plated CD34(+)CD41(+) cells. The number of MKs per well was determined in situ and expressed as number of doublings (NbD). Dose-response curves of the mean frequency of clones of each size versus log TPO concentration showed highly significant differences in the TPO concentration needed for half-maximum generation of clones of different sizes (TPO(50)): 1.89 +/- 0.51 pg/mL for 1 MK clones; 7.75 +/- 0.81 pg/mL for 2 to 3 MK clones; 38.5 +/- 5.04 pg/mL for 4 to 7 MK clones, and 91.8 +/- 16.0 pg/mL for 8 to 15 MK clones. These results were consistent with a prediction of the generation-age model, because the number of previous doublings in vivo was inversely correlated with the number of residual doublings in vitro. TPO responsiveness decreased in vitro by a factor of 3.5 per doubling, reflecting the recruitment of progressively more ancestral progenitors. In support of this hypothesis, the more mature CD34(+)CD41(+)CD42(+) cell fraction had a lower TPO(50) (P < .001), underwent fewer NbD (P < .001), and expressed a 2.8-fold greater median Mpl receptor density (P < .001) than the CD34(+)CD41(+)CD42(-) fraction. Progenitors that have completed their proliferative program have maximum factor responsiveness and are preferentially induced to terminal differentiation.

Antigens, CD↗

Multiple signaling pathways are involved in erythropoietin-independent differentiation of erythroid progenitors in polycythemia vera.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder arising in a multipotent hematopoietic stem cell. The pathogenesis of PV remains poorly understood; however, the biologic hallmark of this disease is the presence of erythropoietin (Epo)-independent colony formation (endogenous erythroid colony [EEC]) and cytokine hypersensitivity. We have developed a simple liquid culture from CD34+ cells to study PV erythroid differentiation. PV erythroid differentiation was characterized in this culture system by two types of abnormalities: 1) an increased proliferation of progenitors in response to cytokines, associated with strict cytokine dependency for preventing apoptosis; and 2) Epo-independent terminal erythroid differentiation in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin-3 as evidenced by the acquisition of glycophorin A. The level of Epo-independent terminal differentiation correlates in PV patients with the number of EEC. Epo-independent terminal differentiation as well as normal Epo-induced differentiation were repressed by inhibitors of JAK2 (AG490), PI3K (LY294002), and the Src family kinases (PP2). In contrast, an inhibitor of the ERK/MAP kinase pathway (PD98059) had no effect on Epo-independent terminal differentiation. These signaling abnormalities were not mediated by a decreased expression or activity of the membrane tyrosine phosphatase CD45, which dephosphorylates JAK2 and Src family kinases. This study demonstrates that early steps of PV erythroid differentiation are strictly cytokine dependent. In contrast, late erythroid differentiation is an Epo-independent phenomenon that is mediated by signaling pathways identical to those in Epo-induced differentiation.

Antigens, CD34↗

FLI1 monoallelic expression combined with its hemizygous loss underlies Paris-Trousseau/Jacobsen thrombopenia.

Paris-Trousseau syndrome (PTS; also known as Jacobsen syndrome) is characterized by several congenital anomalies including a dysmegakaryopoiesis with two morphologically distinct populations of megakaryocytes (MKs). PTS patients harbor deletions on the long arm of chromosome 11, including the FLI1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor essential for megakaryopoiesis. We show here that lentivirus-mediated overexpression of FLI1 in patient CD34(+) cells restores the megakaryopoiesis in vitro, indicating that FLI1 hemizygous deletion contributes to the PTS hematopoietic defects. FISH analysis on pre-mRNA and single-cell RT-PCR revealed that FLI1 expression is mainly monoallelic in CD41(+)CD42(-) progenitors, while it is predominantly biallelic in the other stages of megakaryopoiesis. In PTS cells, the hemizygous deletion of FLI1 generates a subpopulation of CD41(+)CD42(-) cells completely lacking FLI1 transcription. We propose that the absence of FLI1 expression in these CD41(+)CD42(-) cells might prevent their differentiation, which could explain the segregation of the PTS MKs into two subpopulations: one normal and one composed of small immature MKs undergoing a massive lysis, presumably originating from either FLI1(+) or FLI1(-) CD41(+)CD42(-) cells, respectively. Thus, we point to the role of transient monoallelic expression of a gene essential for differentiation in the genesis of human haploinsufficiency-associated disease and suggest that such a mechanism may be involved in the pathogenesis of other congenital or acquired genetic diseases.

Antigens, CD↗

Spontaneous STAT5 activation induces growth factor independence in idiopathic myelofibrosis: possible relationship with FKBP51 overexpression.

Spontaneous growth of megakaryocyte progenitors is one of the biologic hallmarks of idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). The molecular mechanisms underlying this hypersensitivity to cytokines are poorly understood. Using a differential display approach, we previously observed FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51) overexpression in pathologic megakaryocytes from IMF. Using an FKBP51-overexpressing cell line, we found sustained STAT5 activation associated with JAK2 phosphorylation. We subsequently tested whether this transcription factor was activated in patient samples. We detected a STAT5 nuclear translocation and activation in spontaneously grown megakaryocytes and in circulating CD34(+) cells from the majority of patients studied. The biologic role of this JAK/STAT pathway activation was demonstrated by inhibiting both the anti-apoptotic phenotype mediated by FKBP51 overexpression in UT7 cells and the spontaneous megakaryocytic growth by addition in culture of the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 or overexpression of a STAT5b dominant negative or SOCS-1. These results demonstrate that a constitutive STAT5 activation in IMF is indispensable for spontaneous growth of megakaryocytes. They also suggest that FKBP51 overexpression could be involved in STAT5 activation in IMF cells and in subsequent abnormal growth.

Blotting, Western↗

Overexpression of FKBP51 in idiopathic myelofibrosis regulates the growth factor independence of megakaryocyte progenitors.

Idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by megakaryocyte hyperplasia and bone marrow fibrosis. Biologically, an autonomous megakaryocyte growth and differentiation is noticed, which contributes to the megakaryocyte accumulation. To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this spontaneous growth, we searched for genes differentially expressed between normal megakaryocytes requiring cytokines to grow and IMF spontaneously proliferating megakaryocytes. Using a differential display technique, we found that the immunophilin FKBP51 was 2 to 8 times overexpressed in megakaryocytes derived from patients' CD34(+) cells in comparison to normal megakaryocytes. Overexpression was moderate and confirmed in 8 of 10 patients, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Overexpression of FKBP51 in a UT-7/Mpl cell line and in normal CD34(+) cells induced a resistance to apoptosis mediated by cytokine deprivation with no effect on proliferation. FKBP51 interacts with both calcineurin and heat shock protein (HSP)70/HSP90. However, a mutant FKBP51 deleted in the HSP70/HSP90 binding site kept the antiapoptotic effect, suggesting that the calcineurin pathway was responsible for the FKBP51 effect. Overexpression of FKBP51 in UT-7/Mpl cells induced a marked inhibition of calcineurin activity. Pharmacologic inhibition of calcineurin by cyclosporin A mimicked the effect of FKBP51. The data support the conclusion that FKBP51 inhibits apoptosis through a calcineurin-dependent pathway. In conclusion, FKBP51 is overexpressed in IMF megakaryocytes and this overexpression could be, in part, responsible for the megakaryocytic accumulation observed in this disorder by regulating their apoptotic program.

Base Sequence↗

Megakaryocyte polyploidization is associated with a functional gene amplification.

It is believed that polyploidy induces an orchestrated increase in gene expression. To know whether all alleles remain functional during megakaryocyte polyploidization, we used a well-established fluorescence in situ hybridization technique which allows one to simultaneously detect pre-mRNAs and assess ploidy level in a single cell. All alleles of GPIIb, GPIIIa, VWF, beta-actin, hsp70, c-mpl, Fli-1, and FOG-1 genes are transcriptionally active in megakaryocytes from 4N to 32N. All X chromosomes in male cells are transcriptionally active but only half of them are transcriptionally active in female megakaryocytes, as revealed by the transcriptional activity of the GATA-1 gene. Nuclear untranslated XIST RNA accumulates on the inactivated X chromosomes, indicating that they are subjected to a normal inactivation process. Altogether, our results demonstrate that megakaryocyte polyploidization results in a functional gene amplification whose likely function is an increase in protein synthesis parallel with cell enlargement.

Alleles↗

Platelet formation is the consequence of caspase activation within megakaryocytes.

Platelets are formed from mature megakaryocytes (MKs) and arise from the development of long and thin cytoplasmic extensions called proplatelets. After platelet release, the senescent MKs (nucleus surrounded by some cytoplasm) undergo cell death by apoptosis. To explore the precise role of apoptosis in proplatelet formation, we grew human MKs from CD34(+) cells and assessed the possible role of caspases. Proteolytic maturation of procaspase-3 and procaspase-9 was detected by immunoblots in maturing MKs as well as in proplatelet-bearing MKs and senescent MKs. Cleavage of caspase substrates such as gelsolin or poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) was also detected. Interestingly, activated forms of caspase-3 were detected in maturing MKs, before proplatelet formation, with a punctuate cytoplasmic distribution, whereas a diffuse staining pattern was seen in senescent and apoptotic MKs. This localized activation of caspase-3 was associated with a mitochondrial membrane permeabilization as assessed by the release of cytochrome c, suggesting an activation of the intrinsic pathway. Moreover, these MKs with localized activated caspase-3 had no detectable DNA fragmentation. In contrast, when apoptosis was induced by staurosporine, diffuse caspase activation was seen; these MKs had signs of DNA fragmentation, and no proplatelet formation occurred. The pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk as well as more specific inhibitors of caspase-3 and caspase-9 blocked proplatelet formation, whereas an inhibitor of calpeptin had no effect. Overexpression of Bcl-2 also inhibited proplatelet formation in maturing MKs. Thus, localized caspase activation is causal to proplatelet formation. We conclude that proplatelet formation is regulated by a caspase activation limited to only some cellular compartments.

Antigens, CD34↗