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Published on: November 11, 2014
CD34 expression by murine hematopoietic stem cells. Developmental changes and kinetic alterations
1Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, USA. ogawam@musc.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|July 19, 2001
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) CD34 expression varies. While adult HSCs are typically CD34-negative, activation or mobilization can induce CD34 expression, which reverts to negative in steady-state conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The expression of CD34 on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has been a long-standing topic of debate.
- Previous research suggested that all HSCs express CD34, but recent findings indicated that normal adult mouse stem cells are CD34-negative.
- This discrepancy necessitates a thorough investigation into the factors influencing CD34 expression in HSCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically examine the controversy surrounding CD34 expression in hematopoietic stem cells.
- To investigate the dynamic changes in CD34 expression under various physiological and experimental conditions.
- To analyze the developmental trajectory of CD34 expression in stem cells from perinatal to adult stages.
Main Methods:
- Utilized C57BL/6 mice congenic for Ly-5 for precise stem cell analysis.
- Examined CD34 expression on stem cells under basal, in vivo (5-fluorouracil), and in vitro (cytokine stimulation) conditions.
- Assessed stem cell populations without prior enrichment, evaluating engrafting potential of CD34+ and CD34- fractions.
Main Results:
- Normal adult mouse stem cells were confirmed to be CD34-negative.
- In vivo and in vitro stimulation induced CD34 expression (CD34+) in stem cells, which reverted to CD34-negative upon achieving steady state.
- Developmentally, all stem cells from perinatal to 5-week-old mice were CD34+, with CD34- stem cells emerging at 7 weeks and becoming predominant by 10-20 weeks.
Conclusions:
- CD34 expression on hematopoietic stem cells is not static but is dynamically regulated by activation and developmental stage.
- Adult stem cells predominantly express CD34-negative phenotype, with approximately 20% retaining CD34 expression.
- These findings clarify the controversy regarding CD34 expression in adult HSCs and highlight its context-dependent nature.
