A role for SHIP in stem cell biology and transplantation

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2008 May;3(2):99-106. doi: 10.2174/157488808784223050.

Abstract

Inositol phospholipid signaling pathways have begun to emerge as important players in stem cell biology and bone marrow transplantation [1-4]. The SH2-containing Inositol Phosphatase (SHIP) is among the enzymes that can modify endogenous mammalian phosphoinositides. SHIP encodes an isoform specific to pluripotent stem (PS) cells [5,6] plays a role in hematopoietic stem (HS) cell biology [7,8] and allogeneic bone marrow (BM) transplantation [1,2,9,10]. Here I discuss our current understanding of the cell and molecular pathways that SHIP regulates that influence PS/HS cell biology and BM transplantation. Genetic models of SHIP-deficiency indicate this enzyme is a potential molecular target to enhance both autologous and allogeneic BM transplantation. Thus, strategies to reversibly target SHIP expression and their potential application to stem cell therapies and allogeneic BMT are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatases
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatases