Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis of bone marrow cells of MK-LCM WT versus KO mice

High ploidy large cytoplasmic megakaryocytes (LCM) are critical negative regulators of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and are responsible for platelet formation. Using a mouse knockout model with normal megakaryocyte numbers but essentially devoid of LCM (MK-LCM KO), we demonstrated a pronounced increase in bone marrow HSC concurrent with endogenous mobilization and extramedullary hematopoiesis. When HSC isolated from a MK-LCM KO microenvironment were transplanted in lethally irradiated mice, the absence of LCM increased HSC in BM, blood and spleen. Severe thrombocytopenia was observed in animals with diminished LCM, although there was no change in megakaryocyte ploidy distribution. In contrast, WT HSC-generated LCM regulated a normal HSC pool and prevented thrombocytopenia. The present label-free quantitative LC-MSMS data was used to determine proteins that are differentially expressed in bone marrow cells of MK-LCM WT versus MK-LCM KO mice.