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During ontogenesis, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) relocate between extra-embryonic and embryonic compartments. Similarly, site-specific homing of HSCs is ongoing during adulthood. With the expanding knowledge of HSC physiology, a new paradigm emerges in which HSCs and haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) migrate to defined microenvironments within the bone marrow (BM) and to 'activated' or 'inducible' niches elsewhere. Here, we summarize current understanding of HSC niche characteristics, and the physiological and pathological mechanisms that guide HSC homing both within the BM and to distant niches in the periphery, promoting new vessel growth in tumours and ischaemia. Recent observations suggest that features of the HSC niche might also be recapitulated in pre-metastatic sites. Clusters of BM-derived HPCs promote invasion of disseminating cancer cells. Clear clinical benefits can be foreseen by modulating HSCs and their microenvironments, in promoting tissue regeneration, and inhibiting tumourigenesis and cancer metastasis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.molmed.2006.12.003

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Mol Med

Publication Date

02/2007

Volume

13

Pages

72 - 81

Keywords

Animals, Blood Vessels, Bone Marrow Cells, Cell Adhesion, Cell Movement, Chemokine CXCL12, Chemokines, CXC, Fetal Development, Hematopoiesis, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Humans, Models, Biological, Neoplasms, Neoplastic Stem Cells, Osteoblasts, Receptors, Calcium-Sensing, Signal Transduction