Ship-deficiency to increase megakaryocyte and platelet production

Abstract

A method of increasing megakaryocytes and platelet numbers in a patient comprising the step of inhibiting SHIP expression, including SHIP's enzymatic activity and signaling functions, whereby normal blood clotting is induced.

1 . A method of increasing the yield of megakaryocytes in a patient, in vivo, comprising the steps of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a substance that inhibits SHIP function to the patient. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function of SHIP is inhibited using a method chosen from the group consisting of RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes, nucleic acid modifiers, PNAs, nonstandard nucleic acids, aptamers, decoys, oligonucleotide based gene regulation, and dominant/negative mutants. 
     
     
         3 . A method of increasing the yield of megakaryocytes from a patient, ex vivo, comprising the steps of:
 harvesting target cells from a patient; and   contacting the target cells with an efficacious amount of a substance that inhibits SHIP function.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the function of SHIP is inhibited using a method chosen from the group consisting of RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes, nucleic acid modifiers, PNAs, nonstandard nucleic acids, aptamers, decoys, oligonucleotide based gene regulation, and dominant/negative mutants. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the target cells are chosen from the group consisting of megakaryocytes, megakaryocyte progenitors, and platelets. 
     
     
         6 . A method of improving haematopoietic recovery in a patient in need thereof, in vivo, comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a substance that inhibits SHIP function to the patient. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the function of SHIP is inhibited using a method chosen from the group consisting of RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes, nucleic acid modifiers, PNAs, nonstandard nucleic acids, aptamers, decoys, oligonucleotide based gene regulation, and dominant/negative mutants. 
     
     
         8 . A method of improving haematopoietic recovery in a patient in need thereof, ex vivo, comprising the steps of:
 harvesting target cells from a patient;   contacting the target cells with an efficacious amount of a substance that inhibits SHIP function; and   reinfusing the expanded target cells into the patient.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the target cells are chosen from the group consisting of megakaryocytes, megakaryocyte progenitors, and platelets.