The MPN AA is delighted to report on some very recent Australian MPN research into causes of thrombosis in MPNs and, in particular, polycythemia vera (PV).
As MPN patients are aware, MPNs are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. This Australian research has added a new insight into the mechanism underlying thrombosis which can be such a risk for MPN patients, especially PV patients.

This research was presented at the December 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting by haematologist and researcher, Dr Indu Raman. The research was undertaken by Dr Indu Raman, Dr Cavan Bennett, and colleagues at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Molecular Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Epworth Healthcare, and Royal Melbourne Hospital.

 

The poster presentation and accompanying paper are titled: Dysregulated Complement Activation in Polycythemia Vera: A Novel Mechanism for Thrombosis in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Uncovered By Proteomic Analysis

Full details of poster presented at ASH by Dr Indu Raman

While research has identified factors such as increased activation of platelets, neutrophils and elevated expression of molecules directly involved in clot formation, underlying mechanisms of thrombosis are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the increased thrombotic risk in MPNs. This was done through mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of bone marrow trephines.

To provide some definitions before reading on:
–  Bone marrow trephines are the solid cores of bone marrow tissue recovered from a patient during a bone marrow biopsy.
–  Proteomic analysis is the analysis of the entire set of proteins that is expressed by a genome, that is the genetic information contained in the cells in that bone marrow sample
–  Complement proteins are a group of immune system proteins – some of many identifiable from the proteomic analysis.

Experiments undertaken by Dr Raman and the research team suggest increased activation of complement proteins, a group of immune system proteins. Overactivation of complement proteins can enhance both inflammation and clot formation.

These findings are novel and have not been well described previously. Dysregulated complement protein activation may contribute to the heightened clotting and inflammation observed in PV.

Dr Raman and team advise that further studies are needed to confirm this finding, which may lead to alternative therapeutic options.

Further detail about the research is available via the ASH Abstract

If you have specific questions for Dr Raman or Dr Cavan Bennett, about this research please first contact the MPNAA at mpnaa@mpnallianceaustralia.org.au

The MPN AA thanks Drs Raman, Bennett and the research team for this important research.