Germline Mutations in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment and Dysregulated Hematopoiesis

The relationship between the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population and its surrounding bone marrow microenvironment, generally thought of as a collection of functional “niches,” is a rapidly evolving area of research. Gains and losses of function within the microenvironment compartment have been repeatedly linked to leukemic and myelodysplastic conditions affecting adjacent HSCs or more differentiated marrow progenitor cells. In this review, we discuss the int eractions between HSCs and the marrow microenvironment in hematopoietic dysfunction and chemotherapy resistance as well as the therapeutic implications, including targeted agents, HSC transplantation, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusions, and genetic modification, for dysregulated hematopoiesis ass ociated with germline mutations.
Source: Experimental Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research