Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
11:06
Combining Intravital Fluorescent Microscopy (IVFM) with Genetic Models to Study Engraftment Dynamics of Hematopoietic Cells to Bone Marrow Niches
Published on: March 21, 2017
Stem cell factor expression in B cell malignancies is influenced by the niche
Matthew F Fox1, Andrea Pontier, Sandeep Gurbuxani
1Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|February 20, 2013
Summary
Stem cell factor (SCF) is expressed in various B cell malignancies. Lymphoma cells interacting with the bone marrow niche reduce SCF production, but transformation leads to SCF independence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Previous studies identified stem cell factor (SCF) expression in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- The role of SCF in other B cell malignancies and microenvironmental influence on its production remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SCF expression in a broad range of B cell malignancies.
- To explore the impact of the local microenvironment on malignant cell SCF production.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect SCF expression.
- Analysis included various indolent and aggressive B cell lymphomas affecting bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Main Results:
- SCF expression was observed across diverse B cell malignancies in bone marrow and lymph nodes.
- Follicular lymphoma (FL) cells in the bone marrow niche showed reduced SCF expression compared to lymph node involvement.
- High-grade transformed FL in the bone marrow exhibited positive SCF expression.
Conclusions:
- Lymphoma cell interaction with the bone marrow endosteal niche appears to suppress SCF production.
- Transformation of FL may confer independence from microenvironmental inhibition of SCF.
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...
01:01Regulation 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...
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
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,...