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Hematopoiesis and retinoids: development and disease
Tal Oren1, Justin A Sher, Todd Evans
1Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 501, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|January 24, 2004
Summary
Retinoids are essential for normal blood cell development (hematopoiesis) from early embryonic stages. Disruptions in retinoid signaling are implicated in blood disorders like acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Retinoids are crucial signaling molecules that regulate gene expression via nuclear receptors.
- Epidemiological and in vitro studies suggest retinoids impact hematopoietic cell development.
- Chromosomal translocations involving retinoid receptors are linked to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the essential role of retinoids in normal hematopoiesis.
- To explore the involvement of the retinoid pathway in blood cell differentiation and leukemia.
- To summarize current understanding of retinoid pathway dysregulation in APL.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on vitamin A-deficient (VAD) populations.
- Analysis of in vitro studies on retinoid effects on hematopoietic development.
- Examination of data from targeted gene disruptions, VAD animal models, and leukemia mouse models.
Main Results:
- Retinoids are required for normal hematopoiesis during embryonic yolk sac and fetal liver stages.
- The retinoid pathway has modulatory roles in adult bone marrow-derived progenitors.
- Studies provide insights into the molecular control of blood cell differentiation and APL pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Retinoids play a critical, non-redundant role in early hematopoiesis.
- Understanding retinoid signaling is key to deciphering leukemia development and potential therapies.
- The retinoid pathway is a significant target for understanding and treating hematologic malignancies.