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CFU-E

[colony-forming unit erythroid; erythroid colony-forming cells; erythroid colony-forming units] Term used to describe very early erythroid precursor cells that eventually differentiate into erythrocytes (see also: hematopoiesis).

CFU-E, which arise from BFU-E, can be assayed and identified in a colony formation assay by the specific morphology of the cells. The cells are characterized also by expressing the cell surface marker CD36.

Of all erythroid progenitor cells CFU-E are the ones expressing the highest amounts of receptors for Epo and their growth is absolutely dependent on the presence of Epo (see also: Factor-dependent cell lines). Treatment of the cells with Epo leads to several rounds of cell division eventually culminating in terminal differentiation and the loss of the capacity to undergo cell division.

Erythroid colony obtained from CFU-E. Example of hematopoietic cell colony formed by human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Erythroid colony obtained from CFU-E following stimulation with Epo. Cells were grown in methyl cellulose for 7 days. See also: Colony formation assay.

The growth of CFU-E is enhanced by IGF-1 (see: IGF). CFU-E also responds to E-CSF (erythroid colony stimulating factor). It has been shown that Activin A acts as a commitment factor and/or a promoter of CFU-E. Significant augmentation of the growth of CFU-E is seen in response to CH925, a human recombinant fusion protein consisting of IL6 and IL2.

The growth of CFU-E is inhibited by EDF (eosinophil differentiation factor = IL5), which induces differentiation. Another factor which inhibits the capacity of CFU-E to form colonies in soft agar (see also: Colony formation assay) is TNF-alpha. Human CFU-E is inhibited also by the tetrapeptide AcSDKP but not by the pentapeptide pEEDCK. Retinoic acid suppresses CFU-E colony formation. Exogeneous ubiquitin has been shown to block growth of CFU-E in a colony formation assay (Daino et al, 1996).

For other entries pertaining to hematopoiesis see also the Hematology Dictionary section of this encyclopedia. For other relevant entries see also: Cell types.

LAST MODIFIED: March 2002

See REFERENCES for entry CFU-E

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