New genetic tools for the in vivo study of hematopoietic stem cell function

Adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have the ability to both self-renew and differentiate, reconstituting a majority of the lineages of the hematopoietic system and ensuring lifelong hematopoiesis. These properties are essential for the success of bone marrow (BM) transplantations both in the clinical setting and in the laboratory. Over the years, numerous challenges have impeded the study of HSCs, including their paucity in the BM and differences in the definition of an HSC at the phenotypic level as assessed by cell surface markers and at the functional level as measured by transplantation assays [1 –7].

Source: Experimental Hematology - February 28, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Samik Upadhaya, Boris Reizis, Catherine M. Sawai Tags: Review Source Type: research