Synergistic effects of deleting the tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2 on megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in mice

The Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing non-transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatases 1 and 2 (Shp1 and SHP2) have been implicated in regulating signaling from a variety of receptors and cell types, including the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor Mpl in megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets. We previously showed that deletion of Shp1 and SHP2 in the MK/platelet lineage in mice using the Pf4-Cre transgene/loxP system impairs megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. However, we also observed unexpected phenotypes including a motheaten-like phenotype in Shp1-deficient mice and severe myelofibrosis in mice lacking both phosphatases. To determine whether these were lineage-specific effects, we utilized the Gp1ba-Cre transgenic mouse to delete loxP-flanked Shp1 and SHP2 in mice. Bone marrow-derived MKs from these mice expressed approximately 20-25% of Shp1 and SHP2, whereas platelets contain 5-10% of each Phosphatase compared with controls. Minor MK/platelet defects were observed in mice lacking either Shp1 or SHP2 alone, however mice lacking both Shp1 and SHP2 exhibited macrothrombocytopenia, mild bleeding following tail injury, and impaired GPVI-mediated platelet aggregation and Syk phosphorylation, associated with reduction GPVI and Integrin α2 subunit expression. Reduced Shp1 and SHP2 expression resulting in a significant reduction in ploidy, a block in MK maturation and proplatelet-producing MKs. Tpo-mediated Ras/MAPK signaling was reduced in Shp1/2-deficient MKs. Treatment of MKs with structurally distinct SHP2 allosteric inhibitors recapitulated key aspects of the Shp2-deficient phenotype, including aberrant megakaryopoiesis and reduced Mpl signaling. Our study highlights the synergistic functions of Shp1 and SHP2 in the MK/platelet lineage, and identifies SHP2 as a potential therapeutic target in myeloproliferative neoplasms.