Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases
Open Access

Abstract

WNT Proteins in Hematopoiesis: Regulatory Mechanisms Using the QCE6 Mesodermal Stem Cell Line

Samantha Parker

WNT proteins constitute a family of secreted signaling molecules pivotal in orchestrating cell fate and behavior. This study investigated the potential impact of WNTs on hematopoietic cell destiny. Utilizing both Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell (HPC)-enriched embryonic avian bone marrow cells and the quail mesodermal stem cell line QCE6, comparable behaviors were observed under optimized conditions. These cells demonstrated identical differentiation into diverse blood cell types, including Red Blood Cells (RBCs), monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes and thrombocytes. The extensive spectrum of blood cell phenotypes exhibited by QCE6 cells was contingent upon their active expression of WNT11. Conversely, inhibition of WNT11 production in QCE6 cells, achieved through the expression of a stably transfected WNT11 antisense transgene, resulted in cultures dominated by highly vacuolated macrophages. Notably, RBCs were absent and monocyte presence was significantly reduced in these cultures. However, exposure of WNT11 antisense cells to soluble WNT11 or WNT5a effectively reinstated the diverse range of blood cell phenotypes seen in parental QCE6 cells. Augmenting WNT protein expression in QCE6 cells through overexpression accentuated the prevalence of RBCs and monocytes while markedly diminishing macrophage abundance. Intriguingly, treating HPC-enriched bone marrow cultures with soluble WNT11 or WNT5a impeded macrophage formation. Instead, WNT-treated bone marrow cultures predominantly showcased monocytes and RBCs. These findings collectively suggest a pivotal role for WNTs in regulating hematopoietic cell fate