Volume 1370, Issue 1 p. 82-96
Original Article

Niche heterogeneity in the bone marrow

Alexander Birbrair

Alexander Birbrair

Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

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Paul S. Frenette

Corresponding Author

Paul S. Frenette

Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

Address for correspondence: Paul S. Frenette, M.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Michael F. Price Center, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Room 101, Bronx, NY 10461. [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
First published: 25 March 2016
Citations: 208

Abstract

In adult mammals, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined by their abilities to self-renew and to differentiate to form all blood cell lineages. These rare multipotent cells occupy specific locations in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. The specific microenvironment regulating HSCs, commonly referred to as the niche, comprises multiple cell types whose exact contributions are under active investigation. Understanding cellular cross talk involving HSCs in the BM microenvironment is of fundamental importance for harnessing therapies against benign and malignant blood diseases. In this review, we summarize and evaluate recent advances in our understanding of niche heterogeneity and its influence on HSC function.