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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

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Published on: March 10, 2023
CXCL12/CXCR4 Signaling Enhances Human PSC-Derived Hematopoietic Progenitor Function and Overcomes Early In Vivo
Jennifer C Reid1, Borko Tanasijevic2, Diana Golubeva1
1Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada.
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can generate hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), but they fail to engraft. Enhancing CXCR4 expression improved HPC survival and function in vivo, but not long-term hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) reconstitution.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Hematopoiesis
- Immunology
Background:
- Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a promising source for hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs).
- Current methods struggle to generate functional adult/somatic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from hPSCs that can engraft in vivo.
- The interaction between transplanted cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons for the poor engraftment of hPSC-derived HPCs in xenograft models.
- To identify strategies to improve the in vivo function and survival of hPSC-derived hematopoietic cells.
- To explore the role of CXCR4 in the engraftment and reconstitution potential of hPSC-derived HPCs.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of hPSC-HPC survival post-transplantation.
- Analysis of CXCR4 expression and function in hPSC-HPCs.
- Ectopic expression of CXCR4 in hPSC-HPCs.
- Assessment of migration, proliferation, and survival in vitro and in vivo.
- Transcriptional profiling of hPSC-HPCs.
Main Results:
- hPSC-HPCs exhibited poor survival (<24 hours) post-transplantation.
- A significant lack of CXCR4 expression and function was identified in hPSC-HPCs.
- Ectopic CXCR4 expression restored CXCL12 signaling, enhanced migration, and improved survival and proliferation in vivo.
- Transcriptional profiles shifted towards adult hematopoietic cells, but long-term HSC reconstitution was not achieved.
Conclusions:
- CXCR4 signaling is critical for the in vivo function and survival of hPSC-derived HPCs.
- Targeting CXCR4 networks is a potential strategy for generating functional HSCs from hPSCs.
- Further research is needed to achieve long-term HSC engraftment and reconstitution from hPSCs.
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