Effect of WNT11 and WNT5a on expression of blood cell phenotypes.

WNT11 and WNT5a inhibit macrophage formation and promote RBC and monocyte differentiation. WNT11αs/4 cells cultured in the presence of purified WNT5a protein gave rise to predominantly monocytes (A) and RBCs (B). Few macrophages were observed in these cultures. Identical results were obtained when WNT11αs/4 cells were treated with WNT11 CM or WNT5a CM. These results are in complete contrast to the phenotypic profile of WNT11αs/4 cells cultured in the absence of WNT, where macrophages were the predominant cell type, monocytes were infrequently observed, and RBCs were totally absent (see Figure 7, 8). (C-F) Quail bone marrow HPCs also showed increased prevalence of monocytes and RBCs in response to these treatments. Shown here are bone marrow cultures treated with either WNT11 CM (C-D) or purified WNT5a protein (E-F) that produced monocytes (C-E), erythroblasts (D), and developing RBCs (F). Macrophages were infrequently observed in bone marrow cultures in response to either WNT11 or WNT5a. Scale bar: A, D, 10 μm; B-C, 12 μm; E, 13 μm; F, 14 μm.