Thrombopoiesis and Thrombopoietins

David Kuter and a host of leading international researchers summarize in one volume all the knowledge of thrombopoietins (TPO) available today. The distinguished experts review the history of the search to discover TPO, describe the molecular and biological characteristics of this new molecule, and present the results of the preclinical animal experiments that will guide clinical use of this new hormone. Along the way they provide the most recent and comprehensive guide to the biology of megakaryocytes and platelets.

I: Introduction.- 1 Megakaryocyte Biology.- 2 Platelet Structure and Function.- 3 The Evolution of Mammalian Platelets.- 4 Potential Clinical Applications of Thrombopoietic Growth Factors.- II: The Search for the Physiologic Regulator of Platelet Production.- 5 Historical Perspective and Overview.- 6 The Murine Myeloproliferative Leukemia Virus MPLV, v-mpl Oncogene, and c-mpl.- 7 Mpl Expression and Functional Role in Human Megakaryocytopoiesis.- 8 The Purification and Cloning of Human Thrombopoietin.- 9 The Purification of Thrombopoietin from Thrombocytopenic Plasma.- 10 The Role of Other Hemopoietic Growth Factors and the Marrow Microenvironment in Megakaryocytopoiesis.- III: Molecular Biology.- 11 Structure of Thrombopoietin and the Thrombopoietin Gene.- 12 Transcription Factors in Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Gene Expression.- 13 The Biological Significance of Truncated and Full-Length Forms of Mpl Ligands.- IV: Cellular Biology.- 14 In Vitro Effects of Mpl Ligand on Human Hemopoietic Progenitor Cells.- 15 Effect of Cytokines on the Development of Megakaryocytes and Platelets: An Ultrastructural Analysis.- 16 The Thrombopoietin Receptor, Mpl, and Signal Transduction.- 17 Regulation of Proplatelet and Platelet Formation In Vitro.- 18 In Vitro Effects of Mpl Ligands on Platelet Function.- V: Preclinical Biology.- 19 In Vivo Dose-Response Effects of Mpl Ligands on Platelet Production and Function.- 20 Efficacy of Mpl Ligands and other Thrombopoietic Cytokines in Animal Models.- 21 Genetic Manipulation of Mpl Ligand and Thrombopoietin In Vivo.- VI: Clinical Biology.- 22 Serum Levels of Thrombopoietin in Health and Disease.- 23 The Regulation of Platelet Production In Vivo.