LiCl regulates mitochondrial biogenesis during megakaryocyte development

JAK-STAT, PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways are involved in platelet production process. Although wnt signaling has been reported in the biogenesis of platelets, but its role in megakaryocyte development is not well studied. We used an inducible canonical wnt signaling system that utilizes LiCl (GSK-3β inhibitor). LiCl could activate wnt signaling pathway along with maturation of megakaryocytes. Mitochondrial staining showed an increase in mitochondrial mass upon induction with LiCl. Also, mitochondrial markers PGC-1α and TFAM were up regulated with increase in mitochondrial DNA content. LiCl leads to increase in the ROS production, suggesting significance of mitochondria in megakaryocyte development.