Ancient Cytokines, the Role of Astakines as Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Abstract

Hematopoiesis is the process by which blood cells mature and subsequently enter the circulation. This process is quite well understood in vertebrates.

In this work we describe two new protein that contribute to hematopoiesis in crayfish. We also show the similarities of hematopoiesis between vertebrates and invertebrates.

Keywords

• cytokines
• astakines
• hematopoietic growth factors