Lineage-restricted expression of bone morphogenetic protein genes in humanhematopoietic cell lines

To explore the possibility that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are auto crine/paracrine regulators of hematopoietic differentiation and function, w e screened a panel of human cell lines encompassing the hematopoietic linea ges for expression of members of this family of genes. Expression of BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, Growth and Differentiation Factor-1 (GDF-1), Placenta l Bone Morphogenetic Protein (PLAB), and Transforming Growth Factor-beta 3 (TGF-beta 3) was detected in one or more cell lines. BMP-2, BMP-1, BMP-7, a nd TGF-beta 3 expression was also found in normal hemaropoietic tissue. Exp ression of BMP-5 and BMP-S was not seen. Lineage-restricted patterns of exp ression were found for BMP-4 (T-lymphoid), BMP-7 (lymphoid), PLAB (macropha ge/monocyte), and GDF-1 (myeloid), Expression of BMP-2, CDF-1, and PLAB cou ld be modulated by treatment with differentiating agents. Marked variations in the levels of BMP-4, BMP-7, and PLAB expression were encountered, indic ating that disorders in BMP signaling pathways may play a role in the devel opment of hematopoietic neoplasia.