Regulation of stem and progenitor cell function by the bone vasculature

In addition to their conventional role as a conduit system for gases, nutrients, waste products or cells, blood vessels in the skeletal control multiple aspects of bone formation and provide niches for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow. Insight into the architecture and function of the vasculature in the skeletal system was previously limited by the heavily calcified and matrix-rich properties of bone. We have managed to overcome many of these limitations with the help of improved protocols for the processing, immunostaining and live imaging of bone (Kusumbe et al.
Source: Experimental Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research