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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Author Spotlight: Analyzing Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Murine Hematological Malignancies
Published on: November 10, 2023
Exploiting epigenetically mediated changes: Acute myeloid leukemia, leukemia stem cells and the bone marrow
Aksinija A Kogan1, Rena G Lapidus2, Maria R Baer2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.
This review explores how the bone marrow microenvironment (BME) supports acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells. Epigenetic changes in AML and the BME may be targeted by demethylating agents to re-sensitize leukemia cells to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves immature myeloid cell expansion, disrupting normal blood formation.
- Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in AML rely on the bone marrow microenvironment (BME) for survival and proliferation.
- Epigenetic alterations are observed in AML cells and the BME, offering therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interactions between the BME and LSCs in AML.
- To discuss the role of epigenetic modifications in AML and its microenvironment.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic therapy, specifically demethylating agents, in treating AML.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on AML, BME interactions, and epigenetic modifications.
- Analysis of epigenetic changes in leukemia cells, bone marrow, and immune cells.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies involving demethylating agents.
Main Results:
- The BME plays a crucial role in supporting LSC survival and proliferation in AML.
- Epigenetic modifications are prevalent across AML cells, the BME, and the immune microenvironment.
- Demethylating agents show promise in reprogramming pathological interactions within the BME.
Conclusions:
- Targeting epigenetic alterations in the BME and AML cells could overcome treatment resistance.
- Epigenetic therapy may re-sensitize AML cells to conventional treatments.
- Understanding BME-LSC interactions is key to developing novel AML therapies.
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