Aberrant hematopoiesis in mice with inactivation of the gene encoding SOCS-1

Abstract

Mice with homozygous inactivation of the gene encoding the suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) protein die within 21 days of birth with low body weight, fatty degeneration and necrosis of the liver, infiltration of the lung, pancreas, heart and skin by macrophages and granulocytes and a profound depletion of T- and B-lymphocytes. In the present study, SOCS-1 -/- mice were found to have a moderate neutrophilia, and reduced platelet and hematocrit levels. Replacement of the SOCS-1 gene by a lac-Z reporter gene allowed documentation by FACS sorting that at least a proportion of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells transcribe SOCS-1. Most hematopoietic progenitor cell frequencies were..