Recombinant Mouse Thrombopoietin protein (Active)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Thrombopoietin also known as TPO is an important glycoprotein hormone with a mass of about 70 kDa. It is primarily produced in the liver but can also be found in the kidneys and bone marrow stromal cells. Thrombopoietin binds to and activates its receptor c-Mpl which is present on hematopoietic progenitor cells. This protein has a significant role in regulating the production of blood platelets by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes the precursor cells for platelets.

Biological function summary

Thrombopoietin functions in hematopoiesis by supporting the maturation of megakaryocytes. It operates independently but can interact with other factors to optimize platelet production. Although it does not form a part of a large protein complex it is essential for the proper function of hematopoietic progenitors across several stages of differentiation. Its activity ensures the maintenance of platelet levels in the bloodstream therefore preventing conditions like thrombocytopenia.

Pathways

Thrombopoietin plays a critical role in the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage pathway. It directly influences the JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription) signaling pathway which is vital for driving the cell cycle and promoting cell survival. Thrombopoietin shares a functional connection with EPO (erythropoietin) which is involved in red blood cell production although they act on different lineage-specific progenitors.

Thrombopoietin is intricately linked to conditions like thrombocytopenia where there are abnormally low platelet counts and thrombocythemia characterized by elevated platelet levels. Dysregulation of Thrombopoietin production or its receptor activity can lead to these disorders. It has a relationship with other hematopoietic growth factors like GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) which can also influence the disorders of blood cell lines. Understanding its signaling pathways provides insights into therapeutic targets for diseases involving platelet imbalances.