Objective-To assess whether alterations in the SDF-1/CXCR4 occur in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and in Gata1 low mice, an animal model for myelofibrosis, and whether these abnormalities might account for increased stem/progenitor cell trafficking.Materials and Methods-In the mouse, SDF-1 mRNA levels were assayed in liver, spleen and marrow. SDF-1 protein levels were quantified in plasma and marrow and CXCR4 mRNA and protein levels were evaluated on stem/progenitor cells and megakaryocytes purified from the marrow. SDF-1 protein levels were also evaluated in plasma and in marrow biopsy specimens obtained from normal donors and PMF patients.Results-In Gata1 low mice, the plasma SDF-1 protein was 5-times higher than normal in younger animals. Furthermore, SDF-1 immuno-staining of marrow sections progressively increased with age. Similar abnormalities were observed in PMF patients. In fact, the plasma SDF-1 levels in PMF patients were significantly higher (by 2-fold) than normal (p<0.01) and SDF-1 immuno-staining of marrow biopsiy specimens demonstrated increased SDF-1 deposition in specific areas. In two of the patients, SDF-1 deposition was normalized by curative therapy with allogenic stem cell transplantation. Similarly to what already has been reported for PMF patients, the marrow from Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Gata1 low mice contained fewer CXCR4 pos CD117 pos cells and these cells expressed low levels of CXCR4 mRNA and protein.
NIH Public AccessConclusion-Similar abnormalities in the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis are observed in PMF patients and in the Gata1 low mice model of myelofibrosis. We suggest that these abnormalities contribute to the increased stem/progenitor cell trafficking observed in this mouse model as well as patients with PMF.