Description
CD11, also known as c-MPL, is a 635 amino acid transmembrane domain, with two extracellular cytokine receptor domains and two intracellular cytokine receptor box motifs. It is expressed at a low level in a large number of cells of hematopoietic origin. C-MPL is homologous with members of the hematopoietic receptor superfamily. The presence of anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides of C-Mpl inhibited megakaryocyte colony formation. Thrombopoietin is the ligand for C-Mpl. It was shown to be the major regulator of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet formation. Defects in c-MPL are a cause of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia which is a disease characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia and Megakaryocytopenia with no physical anomalies. Defects in c-MPL also cause thrombocythemia type 2 and myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia