Thrombopoietin and its receptor, the proto-oncogene c-mpl

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Abstract
For more than 30 years, researchers have sought an elusive humoral growth factor termed thrombopoietin that was a specific regulator of platelet production. In the past year a ligand for the cytokine receptor c-mpl was identified. The new cytokine, called Mpl ligand, thrombopoietin, or megakaryocyte growth and development factor, is a potent stimulator of megakaryocyte proliferation, maturation, and platelet production; its action is synergized by stem cell factor or interleukin-3. The cloning of thrombopoietin complementary DNA and large-scale protein production offer potential applications for the management of patients suffering from thrombocytopenia. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating plasma levels of thrombopoietin might be fundamental to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of certain platelet disorders. Finally, thrombopoietin might ultimately enable the mass production of functional platelets for use in transfusion.

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