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The spatial localization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) remains controversial, with some studies suggesting that they are maintained in homogeneously distributed niches while others have suggested the contributions of distinct niche structures. Subsets of quiescent HSCs have been reported to associate with megakaryocytes (MK) or arterioles in the BM. However, these HSC subsets have not been prospectively defined. Here, we show that platelet and myeloid-biased HSCs, marked by von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression, are highly enriched in MK niches. Depletion of MK selectively expands vWF+ HSCs, whereas the depletion of NG2+ arteriolar niche cells selectively depletes vWF- lymphoid-biased HSCs. In addition, MK depletion compromises vWF+ HSC function by reducing their long-term self-renewal capacity and eliminating their lineage bias after transplantation. These studies demonstrate the existence of two spatially and functionally separate BM niches for HSC subsets with distinct developmental potential.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.devcel.2018.01.016

Type

Journal article

Journal

Dev Cell

Publication Date

12/03/2018

Volume

44

Pages

634 - 641.e4

Keywords

arteriolar niche, hematopoietic stem cell, hematopoietic stem cell niche, lineage bias, megakaryocyte niche, von Willebrand factor, Animals, Blood Platelets, Bone Marrow, Cell Division, Cell Lineage, Cells, Cultured, Female, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Male, Megakaryocytes, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Stem Cell Niche