Niches that regulate stem cells and hematopoiesis in adult bone marrow

Dev Cell. 2021 Jul 12;56(13):1848-1860. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.05.018. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Abstract

In mammals, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) engage in hematopoiesis throughout adult life within the bone marrow, where they produce the mature cells necessary to maintain blood cell counts and immune function. In the bone marrow and spleen, HSCs are sustained in perivascular niches (microenvironments) associated with sinusoidal blood vessels-specialized veins found only in hematopoietic tissues. Endothelial cells and perivascular leptin receptor+ stromal cells produce the known factors required to maintain HSCs and many restricted progenitors in the bone marrow. Various other cells synthesize factors that maintain other restricted progenitors or modulate HSC or niche function. Recent studies identified new markers that resolve some of the heterogeneity among stromal cells and refine the localization of restricted progenitor niches. Other recent studies identified ways in which niches regulate HSC function and hematopoiesis beyond growth factors. We summarize the current understanding of hematopoietic niches, review recent progress, and identify important unresolved questions.

Keywords: bone marrow; endothelial cell; hematopoietic stem cell; niche; restricted hematopoietic progenitor.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Blood Vessels / cytology
  • Blood Vessels / growth & development
  • Bone Marrow / growth & development
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Stem Cell Niche / genetics
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Receptors, Leptin