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Updated: May 28, 2026

Analysis of Hematopoietic Stem Progenitor Cell Metabolism
Published on: November 9, 2019
Metabolic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in the hypoxic niche
Toshio Suda1, Keiyo Takubo, Gregg L Semenza
1Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. sudato@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp
Tissue homeostasis over the life of an organism relies on both self-renewal and multipotent differentiation of stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in a hypoxic bone marrow environment, and their metabolic status is distinct from that of their differentiated progeny. HSCs generate energy mainly via anaerobic metabolism by maintaining a high rate of glycolysis. This metabolic balance promotes HSC maintenance by limiting the production of reactive oxygen species, but leaves HSCs susceptible to changes in redox status. In this review, we discuss the importance of oxygen homeostasis and energy metabolism for maintenance of HSC function and long-term self-renewal.
Tissue homeostasis over the life of an organism relies on both self-renewal and multipotent differentiation of stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in a hypoxic bone marrow environment, and their metabolic status is distinct from that of their differentiated progeny. HSCs generate energy mainly via anaerobic metabolism by maintaining a high rate of glycolysis. This metabolic balance promotes HSC maintenance by limiting the production of reactive oxygen species, but leaves HSCs susceptible to changes in redox status. In this review, we discuss the importance of oxygen homeostasis and energy metabolism for maintenance of HSC function and long-term self-renewal.
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