Mutations in the MYH9 gene encoding nonmuscle myosin IIA lead to macrothrombocytopenia as observed in MYH9-related disorders. We used mice with megakaryocyterestricted MYH9 inactivation to explore the role of myosin in thrombopoiesis. In situ, bone marrow MYH9⌬ megakaryocytes were irregularly shaped, appearing leaky with poorly defined limits. The demarcation membranes were abnormally organized and poorly developed, pointing to an insufficient reservoir for the future formation of platelets. The cytoskeletal-rich peripheral zone was lacking due to the absence of the myosin filament network that normally surrounds the granular zone in wild-type cells. In vitro studies of cultured cells showed that MYH9⌬ megakaryocytes were unable to form stress fibers upon adhesion to collagen, suggesting that the leaky shape results from defects in internal tension and anchorage to the extracellular environment. Surprisingly, the proportion of cells extending proplatelets was increased in MYH9⌬ megakaryocytes and the proplatelet buds were larger. Overall, this study provides evidence for a role of myosin in different steps of megakaryocyte development through its participation in the maintenance of cell shape, formation and organization of the demarcation membranes and the peripheral zone, anchorage to the extracellular matrix, and proplatelet formation.
IntroductionNonmuscle myosin IIA plays a fundamental role in basic cellular functions such as cell division, adhesion to extracellular matrices, and migration. 1 The myosin IIA heavy chain is encoded by the MYH9 gene and is the only isoform of nonmuscle myosin II present in blood platelets, unlike most cells that also express myosin IIB. 2 Mutations in the MYH9 gene lead to dominant hereditary hemorrhagic diseases known as MYH9-related disorders (MYH9-RD, previously classified as the May-Hegglin anomaly and the syndromes of Sebastian, Fechtner, and Epstein) characterized by congenital thrombocytopenia with large platelets (macrothrombocytopenia) and leukocyte inclusions, sometimes associated with loss of hearing, cataracts, or nephritis during childhood and/or adulthood. 3,4 The origin of the thrombocytopenia is unknown but most probably results from defective thrombopoiesis since the platelet half-life appears to be either normal or only slightly decreased in these patients. 5,6 Blood platelets are produced by megakaryocytes following differentiation and maturation of hematopoietic stem cells into giant polyploid cells. 7,8 The ultrastructure of these mature megakaryocytes reveals a large and highly organized cytoplasm. 9,10 The granular zone contains an extensive membrane network called the demarcation membrane system (DMS) that constitutes a membrane reservoir for the future platelets, 11 whereas the actinrich peripheral zone is devoid of DMS and organelles. 9,10,12 It is now thought that mature megakaryocytes release platelets through extension of cytoplasmic projections, the so-called proplatelets, into the vessel lumen. 13,14 The role of myosin IIA in platelet biogenesis ...