Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) - a megakaryocyte-derived biomarker which largely discriminates PMF from essential thrombocythemia

Ann Hematol. 2011 Jan;90(1):33-40. doi: 10.1007/s00277-010-1024-z. Epub 2010 Jul 13.

Abstract

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm showing aberrant bone marrow remodeling with increased angiogenesis, progressive matrix accumulation, and fibrosis development. Thrombospondins (TSP) are factors sharing pro-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic properties, and have not been addressed in PMF before. We investigated the expression of TSP-1 and TSP-2 in PMF related to the stage of myelofibrosis (n = 51) and in individual follow-up biopsies by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). TSP-1 was significantly overexpressed (p < 0.05) in all stages of PMF when compared to controls. Individual follow-up biopsies showed involvement of TSP-1 during progressive myelofibrosis. TSP-2 was barely detectable but 40% of cases with advanced myelofibrosis showed a strong expression. Megakaryocytes and interstitial proplatelet formations were shown to be the relevant source for TSP-1 in PMF. Stroma cells like endothelial cells and fibroblasts showed no TSP-1 labeling when double-immunofluorescence staining and CLSM were applied. Based on its dual function, TSP-1 in PMF is likely to be a mediator within a pro-fibrotic environment which discriminates from ET cases. On the other hand, TSP-1 is a factor acting (ineffectively) against exaggerated angiogenesis. Both features suggest TSP-1 to be a biomarker for monitoring a PMF-targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Megakaryocytes / chemistry
  • Megakaryocytes / metabolism*
  • Megakaryocytes / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / diagnosis*
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / genetics
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / metabolism
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / pathology
  • Registries
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / diagnosis*
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / genetics
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / metabolism
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / pathology
  • Thrombospondin 1 / analysis
  • Thrombospondin 1 / genetics
  • Thrombospondin 1 / metabolism
  • Thrombospondin 1 / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Thrombospondin 1