AsianScientist (Feb. 25, 2016) – Scientists have uncovered a key player that contributes to the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), blood cell precursors which have the ability to become any type of blood cell in the body.
These research findings could contribute towards better understanding of the underlying causes of blood diseases. The study was published in Journal of Experimental Medicine.
The research team from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore found that a protein called CLEC-2 is able to mediate the activity of the bone marrow niche where HSCs reside. It also contributes to the bone marrow niche’s health by increasing the production of the thrombopoietin (Thpo) protein.
While earlier studies showed that Thpo is required for the healthy activity of HSCs in the bone marrow niche, this study is the first to identify CLEC-2’s role in the regulation of Thpo production.
The team found that a lack of CLEC-2 results in a reduction of Thpo levels, as well as irregularities in the maintenance of the bone marrow niche and of the HSCs within, thus leading to abnormal blood cell production and activity.
The healthy maintenance of the bone marrow niche is significant, given that HSCs are responsible for the regenerative abilities of all types of blood cells in the body. While a bone marrow transplant remains the most promising therapy option for sufferers of many blood disorders, post-transplant prognoses are largely dependent on the quantity and quality of donor HSCs which are transplanted into the recipient.
“As leukemia stem cells are known to hijack the healthy bone marrow niche and rely on niche signals for disease progression, results from this study may point to these irregularities influencing the development and progression of blood diseases,” said senior principal investigator Professor Toshio Suda.
“We are hopeful that our findings from this study will contribute towards a better understanding of the underlying causes of the development and progression of hematopoietic diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma, and ultimately, to the advancement of treatment for such diseases.”
The article can be found at: Nakamura-Ishizu et al. (2015) CLEC-2 in Megakaryocytes is Critical for Maintenance of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in the Bone Marrow.
———
Source: National University of Singapore; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
