Evolving concepts on the microenvironmental niche for hematopoietic stem cells
Marc H G P Raaijmakers1, David T Scadden
1Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Current Opinion in Hematology
|June 10, 2008
Summary
The hematopoietic stem cell niche is vital for blood cell formation and can be targeted for treating blood disorders. Recent research highlights its role in disease and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Microenvironment Research
Background:
- The hematopoietic stem cell niche is crucial for maintaining hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during normal blood production.
- Dysregulation within the niche may contribute to the development of hematologic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding HSC niche interactions.
- To explore the niche's role in hematologic disease pathogenesis.
- To discuss the niche as a therapeutic target for stem cell-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HSC niche components and interactions.
- Analysis of animal models demonstrating niche involvement in disease.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the niche.
Main Results:
- New insights into the cellular and molecular constituents of the HSC niche.
- Evidence linking niche interactions to hematologic disease pathogenesis in preclinical models.
- Identification of molecular targets within the niche for therapeutic manipulation.
- Successful proof-of-principle for niche-targeted interventions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular details of the HSC niche opens new avenues for therapy.
- Targeting the hematopoietic stem cell niche represents a promising new treatment modality for hematologic disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Stem Cell Niche
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
01:19Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
The hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate and give rise to all blood and immune cells. HSCs are maintained in the quiescent stage until an external stimulus initiates their differentiation. The multipotent HSCs exist as two heterogeneous populations, long-term repopulating cells (LTRC) and short-term repopulating cells (STRC). The two HSC populations have different surface markers or receptors and are classified based on quiescence and long-term...
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:21Hematopoiesis
The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...
01:20Overview of Hematopoiesis
Hematopoiesis, or blood cell production, is a vital biological process that begins early in embryonic development and continues throughout life. This process generates the various types of cells found in blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...