Megakaryocyte- and erythroblast-specific cell-free DNA patterns in plasma and platelets reflect thrombopoiesis and erythropoiesis levels

Joshua Moss, Roni Ben-Ami, Ela Shai, Ofer Gal-Rosenberg, Yosef Kalish, Agnes Klochendler, Gordon Cann, Benjamin Glaser, Ariela Arad (), Ruth Shemer () and Yuval Dor ()
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Joshua Moss: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School
Roni Ben-Ami: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School
Ela Shai: Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center
Ofer Gal-Rosenberg: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School
Yosef Kalish: Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center
Agnes Klochendler: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School
Gordon Cann: GRAIL, LLC.
Benjamin Glaser: Hadassah University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, the Hebrew University
Ariela Arad: Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center
Ruth Shemer: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School
Yuval Dor: the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments are a biological analyte with extensive utility in diagnostic medicine. Understanding the source of cfDNA and mechanisms of release is crucial for designing and interpreting cfDNA-based liquid biopsy assays. Using cell type-specific methylation markers as well as genome-wide methylation analysis, we determine that megakaryocytes, the precursors of anuclear platelets, are major contributors to cfDNA (~26%), while erythroblasts contribute 1–4% of cfDNA in healthy individuals. Surprisingly, we discover that platelets contain genomic DNA fragments originating in megakaryocytes, contrary to the general understanding that platelets lack genomic DNA. Megakaryocyte-derived cfDNA is increased in pathologies involving increased platelet production (Essential Thrombocythemia, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) and decreased upon reduced platelet production due to chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression. Similarly, erythroblast cfDNA is reflective of erythrocyte production and is elevated in patients with thalassemia. Megakaryocyte- and erythroblast-specific DNA methylation patterns can thus serve as biomarkers for pathologies involving increased or decreased thrombopoiesis and erythropoiesis, which can aid in determining the etiology of aberrant levels of erythrocytes and platelets.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43310-2

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