Since the observations in the 1960s that granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulated the proliferation of granulocytic cells in semisolid cultures of bone marrow cells, G-CSF has established itself as a useful clinical agent for increasing levels of neutrophilic granulocytes. However, these early findings did not firmly establish whether G-CSF is a genuine regulator of granulocyte formation under normal physiological conditions or rather acts as an emergency regulator, playing an important role only under stress conditions. The advent of has allowed us to evaluate these questions in a physiological setting through analysis of mice with a targeted mutation of G-CSF or its receptor, while the development of relevant cell models has enabled us to dissect the molecular basis of G-CSF action. This review discusses our current state of knowledge regarding the role of G-CSF in granulopoiesis.
History
Journal
International journal of molecular medicine
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pagination
3 - 10
Publisher
Spandidos Publications
Location
Athens, Greece
ISSN
1107-3756
eISSN
1791-244X
Language
eng
Publication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal article