Csf2

What is CSF2 protein?

CSF2 gene (colony stimulating factor 2) is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 5 at locus 5q31. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that controls the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes and macrophages. The active form of the protein is found extracellularly as a homodimer. This gene plays a role in promoting tissue inflammation. Elevated levels of cytokines, including the one produced by this gene, have been detected in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients that develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. The CSF2 protein is consisted of 144 amino acids and CSF2 molecular weight is approximately 16.3 kDa.

What is the function of CSF2 protein?

CSF2, also known as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), is a cytokine with various immune-modulating functions. It is crucial for the growth and differentiation of myeloid cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, playing a key role in the immune response to infections. Recent research has highlighted the role of CSF2 in cancer progression, particularly in gastric cancer. There, it has been shown to reprogram mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) towards a cancer-promoting phenotype, facilitating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells through the IGF2BP2-meidated m6A modification mechanism.

CSF2 related signaling pathway

The CSF2-related signaling pathway is a complex network of molecular interactions that play a crucial role in the regulation of various biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and survival. It involves the activation of specific receptors on the surface of target cells by CSF2 cytokines, which leads to the activation of downstream signaling molecules such as JAK kinases and STAT proteins. These signaling pathways are essential for the proper functioning of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as for the differentiation and proliferation of myeloid lineage cells. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various hematological malignancies, making it an important target for therapeutic intervention.

CSF2 related diseases

CSF2 is a cytokine that plays a significant role in the immune system. It is involved in the differentiation and activation of myeloid cells, including macrophages and granulocytes. In terms of disease associations, CSF2 is implicated in various cancers, particularly in the progression of gliomas and glioblastomas, where it has been shown to promote the accumulation and survival of microglia and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, CSF2 is being explored for its potential to enhance the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by promoting their differentiation and migratory capacities in response to tissue injury.

Fig1. GM-CSF associated pathology. (Adrian A. Achuthan, 2021)

Bioapplications of CSF2

The bioapplications of CSF2, also known as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), are primarily in the fields of medicine and research. In clinical settings, G-CSF is widely used to stimulate the production of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting bacterial infections, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy who experience neutropenia. It is also employed in mobilizing hematopoietic stem cells into the peripheral blood for easier collection and subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation. Additionally, G-CSF has applications in veterinary medicine for similar purposes. In research, G-CSF is used to study hematopoiesis, inflammation, and immune responses, as well as in developing new treatments for conditions like leukopenia and certain bone marrow disorders.

Case Study 1: Se-Ra Park, 2019

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies face challenges due to their limited ability to differentiate into specific cell types and to target injury sites. Researchers are seeking new factors to boost MSC efficacy. Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF-2), typically associated with blood cell development, has been discovered as a novel factor that can enhance MSC differentiation and migration, potentially through its receptor CD116. The studies show that CSF-2 activates MSCs via PI3K/Akt and FAK/ERK1/2 pathways, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in an animal model of endometrial ablation. These findings reveal a new role for CSF-2 in promoting MSC benefits beyond its traditional hematopoietic function.

Fig1. TCA-induced acute endometrial ablation resulted in a clearly time-dependent manner, with a peak release 24 h after injury.

Fig2. The relative quantification of calcium mineral content was determined by measuring the absorbance at 570 nm.

Case Study 2: Hui Li, 2022

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) faces challenges of relapse and drug resistance, linked to intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) and phenotypic plasticity. This study explored these using the SCLC cell line NCI-H69, which displayed both adherent (H69A) and suspensive (H69S) phenotypes. Here CSF2, a key gene, was highly expressed in H69A cells. Inhibiting CSF2 triggered a shift to H69S, enhancing drug sensitivity and neuroendocrine markers while reducing non-neuroendocrine markers. The p-STAT3/MYC pathway, implicated in this process, was also suppressed by CSF2 silencing, suggesting a role in SCLC ITH and drug resistance.

Fig3. CSF2 was tested by using western blotting.

Fig4. WB analysis after H69A cells were treated with butoconazole nitrate for 24 h.

Csf2 has several biochemical functions, for example, cytokine activity,granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor binding,growth factor activity. Some of the functions are cooperated with other proteins, some of the functions could acted by Csf2 itself. We selected most functions Csf2 had, and list some proteins which have the same functions with Csf2. You can find most of the proteins on our site.

Csf2 has direct interactions with proteins and molecules. Those interactions were detected by several methods such as yeast two hybrid, co-IP, pull-down and so on. We selected proteins and molecules interacted with Csf2 here. Most of them are supplied by our site. Hope this information will be useful for your research of Csf2.

MEOX2;CSF2RB;CSF2RA