The Spleen Microenvironment Influences Disease Transformation in a Mouse Model of KIT-dependent Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

Activating mutations leading to ligand-independent signaling of the stem cell factor receptor KIT are associated with several hematopoietic malignancies. One of the most common alterations is the D816V mutation. In this study, we characterized mice, which conditionally express the humanized KIT receptor in the adult hematopoietic system to determine the pathological consequences of unrestrained KIT signaling during blood cell development. We found that KIT mutant animals acquired a myeloproliferative neoplasm similar to polycythemia vera, marked by a massive increase in red blood cells and severe splenomegaly caused by excessive extramedullary erythropoiesis. Moreover, we found mobilization of stem cells from bone marrow to the spleen. Splenectomy prior to KIT induction prevented expansion of red blood cells, but rapidly lead to a state of aplastic anemia and bone marrow fibrosis, reminiscent of post polycythemic myeloid metaplasia, the spent phase of polycythemia vera. Our results show that the extramedullary hematopoietic niche microenvironment significantly influences disease outcome in KIT mutant mice, turning this model a valuable tool for studying the interplay between functionally abnormal hematopoietic cells and their microenvironment during development of polycythemia vera-like disease and myelofibrosis.