Restoration and reversible expansion of the osteoblastic hematopoietic stem cell niche after marrow radioablation. Blood. 2009;114:2333-2343. [PMID: 19433859 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-10-183459]

Sheng Xue Ning as a Novel Agent that Promotes SCF-Driven Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Proliferation to Promote Erythropoiesis

Stimulating erythropoiesis is essential in the treatment of various types of anemia. Sheng Xue Ning (SXN) is commonly used in China as an iron supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia, renal anemia, and anemia in pregnancy. This research reports a novel effect of SXN in enhancing the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) to promote erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, which is distinct from conventional iron supplements that primarily aid in the maturation of red blood cells. Employing a model of hematopoietic dysfunction induced by X-ray exposure, we evaluated the efficacy of SXN in restoring hematopoietic function. SXN significantly promoted the recovery of peripheral erythroid cells and enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of Lin-/c-KIT+/Sca-1+ HSPC in mice exposed to X-ray irradiation. Our results showed that SXN elevated the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and activated the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, facilitating the proliferation and differentiation of HSPC. In vitro, SXN markedly enhanced the proliferation of bone marrow nucleated cell (BMNC) and the colony-forming capacity of BFU-E, CFU-E, and CFU-GM, while also elevating the expression of proteins involved in the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway in BMNC. Additionally, SXN enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and increased SCF secretion. In conclusion, SXN demonstrates the capacity to enhance erythropoiesis by upregulating SCF expression, thereby promoting HSPC proliferation and differentiation via the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway. SXN may offer a new strategy for improving the activity of HSPC and promoting erythropoiesis in the treatment of hematopoiesis disorders.

Complexities of modeling the bone marrow microenvironment to facilitate hematopoietic research

Hematopoiesis occurs in the bone marrow (BM), within a specialized microenvironment referred to as the stem cell niche, where the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside and are regulated for quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The BM contains at least two distinctive HSC-supportive niches: an endosteal osteoblastic niche that supports quiescence and self-renewal and a more vascular/perisinusoidal niche that promotes proliferation and differentiation. Both associate with supporting mesenchymal stromal cells. Within the more hypoxic osteoblastic niche, HSCs specifically interact with the osteoblasts that line the endosteal surface, which secrete several important HSC quiescence and maintenance regulatory factors. In vivo imaging indicates that the HSCs and progenitors located further away, in the vicinity of sinusoidal endothelial cells, are more proliferative. Here, HSCs interact with endothelial cells via specific cell adhesion molecules. Endothelial cells also secrete several factors important for HSC homeostasis and proliferation. In addition, HSCs and mesenchymal stromal cells are embedded within the extracellular matrix (ECM), an important network of proteins such as collagen, elastin, laminin, proteoglycans, vitronectin, and fibronectin. The ECM provides mechanical characteristics such as stiffness and elasticity important for cell behavior regulation. ECM proteins are also able to bind, sequester, display, and distribute growth factors across the BM, thus directly affecting stem cell fate and regulation of hematopoiesis. These important physical and chemical features of the BM require careful consideration when creating three-dimensional models of the BM.

Second bone marrow transplantation into regenerating hematopoiesis enhances reconstitution of immune system

In bone marrow transplantation (BMT), hematopoiesis-reconstituting cells are introduced following myeloablative treatment, which eradicates existing hematopoietic cells and disrupts stroma within the hematopoietic tissue. Both hematopoietic cells and stroma then undergo regeneration. Our study compares the outcomes of a second BMT administered to mice shortly after myeloablative treatment and the first BMT, with those of a second BMT administered to mice experiencing robust hematopoietic regeneration after the initial transplant. We evaluated the efficacy of the second BMT in terms of engraftment efficiency, types of generated blood cells, and longevity of function. Our findings show that regenerating hematopoiesis readily accommodates newly transplanted stem cells, including those endowed with a robust capacity for generating B and T cells. Importantly, our investigation uncovered a window for preferential engraftment of transplanted stem cells coinciding with the resumption of blood cell production. Repeated BMT could intensify hematopoiesis reconstitution and enable therapeutic administration of genetically modified autologous stem cells.

Megakaryocytic IGF1 coordinates activation and ferroptosis to safeguard hematopoietic stem cell regeneration after radiation injury

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regeneration underlies hematopoietic recovery from myelosuppression, which is a life-threatening side effect of cytotoxicity. HSC niche is profoundly disrupted after myelosuppressive injury, while if and how the niche is reshaped and regulates HSC regeneration are poorly understood.

METHODS

A mouse model of radiation injury-induced myelosuppression was built by exposing mice to a sublethal dose of ionizing radiation. The dynamic changes in the number, distribution and functionality of HSCs and megakaryocytes were determined by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, colony assay and bone marrow transplantation, in combination with transcriptomic analysis. The communication between HSCs and megakaryocytes was determined using a coculture system and adoptive transfer. The signaling mechanism was investigated both in vivo and in vitro, and was consolidated using megakaryocyte-specific knockout mice and transgenic mice.

RESULTS

Megakaryocytes become a predominant component of HSC niche and localize closer to HSCs after radiation injury. Meanwhile, transient insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) hypersecretion is predominantly provoked in megakaryocytes after radiation injury, whereas HSCs regenerate paralleling megakaryocytic IGF1 hypersecretion. Mechanistically, HSCs are particularly susceptible to megakaryocytic IGF1 hypersecretion, and mTOR downstream of IGF1 signaling not only promotes activation including proliferation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism of HSCs, but also inhibits ferritinophagy to restrict HSC ferroptosis. Consequently, the delicate coordination between proliferation, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and ferroptosis ensures functional HSC expansion after radiation injury. Importantly, punctual IGF1 administration simultaneously promotes HSC regeneration and hematopoietic recovery after radiation injury, representing a superior therapeutic approach for myelosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies megakaryocytes as a last line of defense against myelosuppressive injury and megakaryocytic IGF1 as a novel niche signal safeguarding HSC regeneration.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Acute Leukemias

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a metabolic process that confers phenotypic flexibility to cells and the ability to adapt to new functions. This transition is critical during embryogenesis and is required for the differentiation of many tissues and organs. EMT can also be induced in advanced-stage cancers, leading to further malignant behavior and chemotherapy resistance, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis for patients. Although EMT was long considered and studied only in solid tumors, it has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, including acute leukemias. Indeed, there is increasing evidence that EMT promotes the progression of acute leukemias, leading to the emergence of a more aggressive phenotype of the disease, and also causes chemotherapy resistance. The current literature suggests that the levels and activities of EMT inducers and markers can be used to predict prognosis, and that targeting EMT in addition to conventional therapies may increase treatment success in acute leukemias.

Stress-protecting harbors for hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) rely on specialized microenvironments known as niches to maintain their self-renewal and multilineage potential to generate diverse types of blood cells continuously. Over the last two decades, substantial advancements have been made in unraveling the niche cell components and HSC localizations under homeostatic and stressed circumstances. Advances in imaging, combined with the discovery of phenotypic surface markers combinations and single cell sequencing, have greatly facilitated the systematic examination of HSC localizations. This review aims to present a summary of HSC localizations, highlighting potential distinctions between phenotypically and functionally defined HSCs, and explore the functionality of niches in ensuring the integrity and long-term maintenance of HSCs.

Apoptosis-resistant megakaryocytes produce large and hyperreactive platelets in response to radiation injury

BACKGROUND

The essential roles of platelets in thrombosis have been well recognized. Unexpectedly, thrombosis is prevalent during thrombocytopenia induced by cytotoxicity of biological, physical and chemical origins, which could be suffered by military personnel and civilians during chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear events. Especially, thrombosis is considered a major cause of mortality from radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia, while the underlying pathogenic mechanism remains elusive.

METHODS

A mouse model of radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia was built by exposing mice to a sublethal dose of ionizing radiation (IR). The phenotypic and functional changes of platelets and megakaryocytes (MKs) were determined by a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo assays, including flow cytometry, flow chamber, histopathology, Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, in combination with transcriptomic analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated both in vitro and in vivo, and was consolidated using MK-specific knockout mice. The translational potential was evaluated using a human MK cell line and several pharmacological inhibitors.

RESULTS

In contrast to primitive MKs, mature MKs (mMKs) are intrinsically programmed to be apoptosis-resistant through reprogramming the Bcl-xL-BAX/BAK axis. Interestingly, mMKs undergo minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) post IR, resulting in the activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of IFN genes (cGAS-STING) pathway via the release of mitochondrial DNA. The subsequent interferon-β (IFN-β) response in mMKs upregulates a GTPase guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) to produce large and hyperreactive platelets that favor thrombosis. Further, we unmask that autophagy restrains minority MOMP in mMKs post IR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies that megakaryocytic mitochondria-cGAS/STING-IFN-β-GBP2 axis serves as a fundamental checkpoint that instructs the size and function of platelets upon radiation injury and can be harnessed to treat platelet pathologies.

Megakaryocyte Secreted Factors Regulate Bone Marrow Niche Cells During Skeletal Homeostasis, Aging, and Disease

The bone marrow microenvironment contains a diverse array of cell types under extensive regulatory control and provides for a novel and complex mechanism for bone regulation. Megakaryocytes (MKs) are one such cell type that potentially acts as a master regulator of the bone marrow microenvironment due to its effects on hematopoiesis, osteoblastogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. While several of these processes are induced/inhibited through MK secreted factors, others are primarily regulated by direct cell-cell contact. Notably, the regulatory effects that MKs exert on these different cell populations has been found to change with aging and disease states. Overall, MKs are a critical component of the bone marrow that should be considered when examining regulation of the skeletal microenvironment. An increased understanding of the role of MKs in these physiological processes may provide insight into novel therapies that can be used to target specific pathways important in hematopoietic and skeletal disorders.

High ploidy large cytoplasmic megakaryocytes are hematopoietic stem cells regulators and essential for platelet production

Megakaryocytes (MK) generate platelets. Recently, we and others, have reported MK also regulate hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Here we show high ploidy large cytoplasmic megakaryocytes (LCM) are critical negative regulators of HSC and critical for platelet formation. Using a mouse knockout model (Pf4-Srsf3^Δ/Δ) with normal MK numbers, but essentially devoid of LCM, we demonstrate a pronounced increase in BM HSC concurrent with endogenous mobilization and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Severe thrombocytopenia is observed in animals with diminished LCM, although there is no change in MK ploidy distribution, uncoupling endoreduplication and platelet production. When HSC isolated from a microenvironment essentially devoid of LCM reconstitute hematopoiesis in lethally irradiated mice, the absence of LCM increases HSC in BM, blood and spleen, and the recapitulation of thrombocytopenia. In contrast, following a competitive transplant using minimal numbers of WT HSC together with HSC from a microenvironment with diminished LCM, sufficient WT HSC-generated LCM regulates a normal HSC pool and prevents thrombocytopenia. Importantly, LCM are conserved in humans.

Autologous Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Driving Bone Regeneration in a Rabbit Model of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive degenerative disease that ultimately requires a total hip replacement. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), particularly the ones isolated from bone marrow (BM), could be promising tools to restore bone tissue in ONFH. Here, we established a rabbit model to mimic the pathogenic features of human ONFH and to challenge an autologous MSC-based treatment. ON has been originally induced by the synergic combination of surgery and steroid administration. Autologous BM-MSCs were then implanted in the FH, aiming to restore the damaged tissue. Histological analyses confirmed bone formation in the BM-MSC treated rabbit femurs but not in the controls. In addition, the model also allowed investigations on BM-MSCs isolated before (ON-BM-MSCs) and after (ON+BM-MSCs) ON induction to dissect the impact of ON damage on MSC behavior in an affected microenvironment, accounting for those clinical approaches foreseeing MSCs generally isolated from affected patients. BM-MSCs, isolated before and after ON induction, revealed similar growth rates, immunophenotypic profiles, and differentiation abilities regardless of the ON. Our data support the use of ON+BM-MSCs as a promising autologous therapeutic tool to treat ON, paving the way for a more consolidated use into the clinical settings.

Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Improve Fat Transplantation Performance

The resorption rate of autologous fat transfer (AFT) is 40–60% of the implanted tissue, requiring new surgical strategies for tissue reconstruction. We previously demonstrated in a rabbit model that AFT may be empowered by adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (AD-MSCs), which improve graft persistence by exerting proangiogenic/anti-inflammatory effects. However, their fate after implantation requires more investigation. We report a xenograft model of adipose tissue engineering in which NOD/SCID mice underwent AFT with/without human autologous AD-MSCs and were monitored for 180 days (d). The effect of AD-MSCs on AFT grafting was also monitored by evaluating the expression of CD31 and F4/80 markers. Green fluorescent protein-positive AD-MSCs (AD-MSC-GFP) were detected in fibroblastoid cells 7 days after transplantation and in mature adipocytes at 60 days, indicating both persistence and differentiation of the implanted cells. This evidence also correlated with the persistence of a higher graft weight in AFT-AD-MSC compared to AFT alone treated mice. An observation up to 180 d revealed a lower resorption rate and reduced lipidic cyst formation in the AFT-AD-MSC group, suggesting a long-term action of AD-MSCs in support of AFT performance and an anti-inflammatory/proangiogenic activity. Together, these data indicate the protective role of adipose progenitors in autologous AFT tissue resorption.

CXCR4high megakaryocytes regulate host-defense immunity against bacterial pathogens

Megakaryocytes (MKs) continuously produce platelets to support hemostasis and form a niche for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance in the bone marrow. MKs are also involved in inflammatory responses; however, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Using single-cell sequencing, we identified a CXCR4 highly expressed MK subpopulation, which exhibited both MK-specific and immune characteristics. CXCR4high MKs interacted with myeloid cells to promote their migration and stimulate the bacterial phagocytosis of macrophages and neutrophils by producing TNFα and IL-6. CXCR4high MKs were also capable of phagocytosis, processing, and presenting antigens to activate T cells. Furthermore, CXCR4high MKs also egressed circulation and infiltrated into the spleen, liver, and lung upon bacterial infection. Ablation of MKs suppressed the innate immune response and T cell activation to impair the anti-bacterial effects in mice under the Listeria monocytogenes challenge. Using hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell lineage-tracing mouse lines, we show that CXCR4high MKs were generated from infection-induced emergency megakaryopoiesis in response to bacterial infection. Overall, we identify the CXCR4high MKs, which regulate host-defense immune response against bacterial infection.

Megakaryocytes as the Regulator of the Hematopoietic Vascular Niche

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are important components of the hematopoietic niche. Compared to the non-hematopoietic niche cells, MKs serving as part of the hematopoietic niche provides a mechanism for feedback regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), in which HSC progeny (MKs) can modulate HSC adaptation to hematopoietic demands during both steady-state and stress hematopoiesis. MKs are often located adjacent to marrow sinusoids. Considering that most HSCs reside close to a marrow vascular sinusoid, as do MKs, the interactions between MKs and vascular endothelial cells are positioned to play important roles in modulating HSC function, and by extrapolation, might be dysregulated in various disease states. In this review, we discuss the interactions between MKs and the vascular niche in both normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis.

Targeting the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche in β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease

In the last decade, research on pathophysiology and therapeutic solutions for β-thalassemia (BThal) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has been mostly focused on the primary erythroid defect, thus neglecting the study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. The quality and engraftment of HSCs depend on the BM microenvironment, influencing the outcome of HSC transplantation (HSCT) both in allogeneic and in autologous gene therapy settings. In BThal and SCD, the consequences of severe anemia alter erythropoiesis and cause chronic stress in different organs, including the BM. Here, we discuss the recent findings that highlighted multiple alterations of the BM niche in BThal and SCD. We point out the importance of improving our understanding of HSC biology, the status of the BM niche, and their functional crosstalk in these disorders towards the novel concept of combined therapies by not only targeting the genetic defect, but also key players of the HSC–niche interaction in order to improve the clinical outcomes of transplantation.

Transient expansion and myofibroblast conversion of adipogenic lineage precursors mediate bone marrow repair after radiation

Radiation causes a collapse of bone marrow cells and elimination of microvasculature. To understand how bone marrow recovers after radiation, we focused on mesenchymal lineage cells that provide a supportive microenvironment for hematopoiesis and angiogenesis in bone. We recently discovered a nonproliferative subpopulation of marrow adipogenic lineage precursors (MALPs) that express adipogenic markers with no lipid accumulation. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that MALPs acquire proliferation and myofibroblast features shortly after radiation. Using an adipocyte-specific Adipoq-Cre, we validated that MALPs rapidly and transiently expanded at day 3 after radiation, coinciding with marrow vessel dilation and diminished marrow cellularity. Concurrently, MALPs lost most of their cell processes, became more elongated, and highly expressed myofibroblast-related genes. Radiation activated mTOR signaling in MALPs that is essential for their myofibroblast conversion and subsequent bone marrow recovery at day 14. Ablation of MALPs blocked the recovery of bone marrow vasculature and cellularity, including hematopoietic stem and progenitors. Moreover, VEGFa deficiency in MALPs delayed bone marrow recovery after radiation. Taken together, our research demonstrates a critical role of MALPs in mediating bone marrow repair after radiation injury and sheds light on a cellular target for treating marrow suppression after radiotherapy.

New transgenic mouse models enabling pan-hematopoietic or selective hematopoietic stem cell depletion in vivo

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) multipotency and self-renewal are typically defined through serial transplantation experiments. Host conditioning is necessary for robust HSC engraftment, likely by reducing immune-mediated rejection and by clearing limited HSC niche space. Because irradiation of the recipient mouse is non-specific and broadly damaging, there is a need to develop alternative models to study HSC performance at steady-state and in the absence of radiation-induced stress. We have generated and characterized two new mouse models where either all hematopoietic cells or only HSCs can be specifically induced to die in vivo or in vitro. Hematopoietic-specific Vav1-mediated expression of a loxP-flanked diphtheria-toxin receptor (DTR) renders all hematopoietic cells sensitive to diphtheria toxin (DT) in “Vav-DTR” mice. Crossing these mice to Flk2-Cre mice results in “HSC-DTR” mice which exhibit HSC-selective DT sensitivity. We demonstrate robust, rapid, and highly selective cell ablation in these models. These new mouse models provide a platform to test whether HSCs are required for long-term hematopoiesis in vivo, for understanding the mechanisms regulating HSC engraftment, and interrogating in vivo hematopoietic differentiation pathways and mechanisms regulating hematopoietic homeostasis.

Megakaryocyte Diversity in Ontogeny, Functions and Cell-Cell Interactions

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) rely on local interactions in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment with stromal cells and other hematopoietic cells that facilitate their survival and proliferation, and also regulate their functions. HSCs and multipotent progenitor cells differentiate into lineage-specific progenitors that generate all blood and immune cells. Megakaryocytes (Mks) are hematopoietic cells responsible for producing blood platelets, which are essential for normal hemostasis and blood coagulation. Although the most prominent function of Mks is platelet production (thrombopoiesis), other increasingly recognized functions include HSC maintenance and host immune response. However, whether and how these diverse programs are executed by different Mk subpopulations remains poorly understood. This Perspective summarizes our current understanding of diversity in ontogeny, functions and cell-cell interactions. Cumulative evidence suggests that BM microenvironment dysfunction, partly caused by mutated Mks, can induce or alter the progression of a variety of hematologic malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and other disorders associated with tissue scarring (fibrosis). Therefore, as an example of the heterogeneous functions of Mks in malignant hematopoiesis, we will discuss the role of Mks in the onset and progression of BM fibrosis. In this regard, abnormal interactions between of Mks and other immune cells might directly contribute to fibrotic diseases. Overall, further understanding of megakaryopoiesis and how Mks interact with HSCs and immune cells has potential clinical implications for stem cell transplantation and other therapies for hematologic malignancies, as well as for treatments to stimulate platelet production and prevent thrombocytopenia.

Integrins and their role in megakaryocyte development and function

Mature megakaryocytes, the platelet precursors, originate from hematopoietic stem cell progenitors, which, once committed to this lineage, undergo endomitosis leading to polyploidization. The process entails repeated rounds of DNA replication without cell division, yielding polyploid cells. Supporting the cell's developmental process and various cellular functions are integrin receptors, a conduit of communication between the extracellular environment and the cell actin cytoskeleton. Integrins are heterodimers of α and β subunits, where different combinations of the known 18 α and 8 β subunits confer specificity to the receptor. Integrin ligands range from extracellular matrices through soluble ligands, infectious agents, and counterreceptors, to cells. In this review, we describe the different integrins expressed on bone marrow megakaryocytes and their attributed roles in lineage development and cellular functions, including adhesion, spreading, proplatelet formation, and functional interaction with other cells. Pathologies associated with dysregulated megakaryocyte integrin expression are also reviewed.

Total body proton and heavy-ion irradiation causes cellular senescence and promotes pro-osteoclastogenic activity in mouse bone marrow

Low-LET photon radiation-induced persistent alterations in bone marrow (BM) cells are well documented in total-body irradiated (TBI) rodents and also among radiotherapy patients. However, the late effects of protons and high-LET heavy-ion radiation on BM cells and its implications in osteoclastogenesis are not fully understood. Therefore, C57BL6/J female mice (8 weeks; n = 10/group) were irradiated to sham, and 1 Gy of the proton (0.22 keV/μm), or high-LET ⁵⁶Fe-ions (148 keV/μm) and at 60 d post-exposure, mice were sacrificed and femur sections were obtained for histological, cellular and molecular analysis. Cell proliferation (PCNA), cell death (active caspase-3), senescence (p16), osteoclast (RANK), osteoblast (OPG), osteoblast progenitor (c-Kit), and osteoclastogenesis-associated secretory factors (like RANKL) were assessed using immunostaining. While no change in cell proliferation and apoptosis between control and irradiated groups was noted, the number of BM megakaryocytes was significantly reduced in irradiated mice at 60 d post-exposure. A remarkable increase in p16 positive cells indicated a persistent increase in cell senescence, whereas increased RANKL/OPG ratio, reductions in the number of osteoblast progenitor cells, and osteocalcin provided clear evidence that exposure to both proton and ⁵⁶Fe-ions promotes pro-osteoclastogenic activity in BM. Among irradiated groups, ⁵⁶Fe-induced alterations in the BM cellularity and osteoclastogenesis were significantly greater than the protons that demonstrated a radiation quality-dependent effect. This study has implications in understanding the role of IR-induced late changes in the BM cells and its involvement in bone degeneration among deep-space astronauts, and also in patients undergoing proton or heavy-ion radiotherapy.

Upregulation of microRNA-576-5p protects from steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head by suppressing ANXA2

Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is a common orthopedic disease. Evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) played essential roles in the development of SANFH. Nevertheless, the role of miR-576-5p in SANFH remains unknown. The rabbit SANFH models were constructed by injection of horse serum and methylprednisolone. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur (including the femoral head), pathological changes, bone cell apoptosis and expressions of OPG/RANK in femoral head bone tissue were assessed upon treatment of up-regulation of miR-576-5p or knockdown of ANXA2. Osteoblasts were extracted from SANFH rabbit femoral head and cultured. Proliferation, apoptosis and mineralization were tested upon treatment of up-regulation of miR-576-5p or knockdown of ANXA2. The targeting relationship between miR-576-5p and ANXA2 was verified. Up-regulated miR-576-5p or down-regulated ANXA2 inhibited the decrease of BMD, improved pathological changes, limited cell apoptosis and increased OPG/RANKL ratio in bone tissues of SANFH rabbits. Up-regulating miR-576-5p or down-regulating ANXA2 promoted proliferation and mineralization and inhibited apoptosis of osteoblasts from SANFH rabbits. In addition, ANXA2 was found to be a target gene of miR-576-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of ANXA2 abolished the protective role of elevated miR-576-5p against femoral head necrosis. Elevated miR-576-5p or reduced ANXA2 repressed the progression of SANFH. This study may provide novel biomarkers for SANFH diagnosis and treatment.

Bone marrow microenvironment of MPN cells

In this chapter, we will discuss the current knowledge concerning the alterations of the cellular components in the bone marrow niche in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), highlighting the central role of the megakaryocytes in MPN progression, and the extracellular matrix components characterizing the fibrotic bone marrow.

Adult stem cell niches for tissue homeostasis

Adult stem cells are fundamental to maintain tissue homeostasis, growth, and regeneration. They reside in specialized environments called niches. Following activating signals, they proliferate and differentiate into functional cells that are able to preserve tissue physiology, either to guarantee normal turnover or to counteract tissue damage caused by injury or disease. Multiple interactions occur within the niche between stem cell‐intrinsic factors, supporting cells, the extracellular matrix, and signaling pathways. Altogether, these interactions govern cell fate, preserving the stem cell pool, and regulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Based on their response to body needs, tissues can be largely classified into three main categories: tissues that even in normal conditions are characterized by an impressive turnover to replace rapidly exhausting cells (blood, epidermis, or intestinal epithelium); tissues that normally require only a basal cell replacement, though able to efficiently respond to increased tissue needs, injury, or disease (skeletal muscle); tissues that are equipped with less powerful stem cell niches, whose repairing ability is not able to overcome severe damage (heart or nervous tissue). The purpose of this review is to describe the main characteristics of stem cell niches in these different tissues, highlighting the various components influencing stem cell activity. Although much has been done, more work is needed to further increase our knowledge of niche interactions. This would be important not only to shed light on this fundamental chapter of human physiology but also to help the development of cell‐based strategies for clinical therapeutic applications, especially when other approaches fail.

Hematopoiesis Remains Permissive to Bone Marrow Transplantation After Expansion of Progenitors and Resumption of Blood Cell Production

The immense regenerative power of hematopoietic tissue stems from the activation of the immature stem cells and the progenitor cells. After partial damage, hematopoiesis is reconstituted through a period of intense regeneration when blood cell production originates from erythro-myeloid progenitors in the virtual absence of stem cells. Since the damaged hematopoiesis can also be reconstituted from transplanted hematopoietic cells, we asked whether this also leads to the transient state when activated progenitors initially execute blood cell production. We first showed that the early reconstitution of hematopoiesis from transplanted cells gives rise to extended populations of developmentally advanced but altered progenitor cells, similar to those previously identified in the bone marrow regenerating from endogenous cells. We then identified the cells that give rise to these progenitors after transplantation as LSK CD48^– cells. In the submyeloablative irradiated host mice, the transplanted LSK CD48^– cells preferably colonized the spleen. Unlike the endogenous hematopoiesis reconstituting cells, the transplanted whole bone marrow cells and sorted LSK CD48^– cells had greater potential to differentiate to B-lymphopoiesis. Separate transplantation of the CD150^– and CD150⁺ subsets of LSK CD48^– cells suggested that CD150^– cells had a greater preference to B-lymphopoiesis than CD150⁺ cells. In the intensively regenerating hematopoiesis, the CD71/Sca-1 plot of immature murine hematopoietic cells revealed that the expanded populations of altered myeloid progenitors were highly variable in the different places of hematopoietic tissues. This high variability is likely caused by the heterogeneity of the hematopoiesis supporting stroma. Lastly, we demonstrate that during the period when active hematopoiesis resumes from transplanted cells, the hematopoietic tissues still remain highly permissive for further engraftment of transplanted cells, particularly the stem cells. Thus, these results provide a rationale for the transplantation of the hematopoietic stem cells in successive doses that could be used to boost the transplantation outcome.

Neonatal Osteomacs and Bone Marrow Macrophages Differ in Phenotypic Marker Expression and Function

Osteomacs (OM) are specialized bone-resident macrophages that are a component of the hematopoietic niche and support bone formation. Also located in the niche are a second subset of macrophages, namely bone marrow-derived macrophages (BM Mφ). We previously reported that a subpopulation of OM co-express both CD166 and CSF1R, the receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF), and that OM form more bone-resorbing osteoclasts than BM Mφ. Reported here are single-cell quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), mass cytometry (CyTOF), and marker-specific functional studies that further identify differences between OM and BM Mφ from neonatal C57Bl/6 mice. Although OM express higher levels of CSF1R and MCSF, they do not respond to MCSF-induced proliferation, in contrast to BM Mφ. Moreover, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), without the addition of MCSF, was sufficient to induce osteoclast formation in OM but not BM Mφ cultures. OM express higher levels of CD166 than BM Mφ, and we found that osteoclast formation by CD166^-/- OM was reduced compared with wild-type (WT) OM, whereas CD166^-/- BM Mφ showed enhanced osteoclast formation. CD110/c-Mpl, the receptor for thrombopoietin (TPO), was also higher in OM, but TPO did not alter OM-derived osteoclast formation, whereas TPO stimulated BM Mφ osteoclast formation. CyTOF analyses demonstrated OM uniquely co-express CD86 and CD206, markers of M1 and M2 polarized macrophages, respectively. OM performed equivalent phagocytosis in response to LPS or IL-4/IL-10, which induce polarization to M1 and M2 subtypes, respectively, whereas BM Mφ were less competent at phagocytosis when polarized to the M2 subtype. Moreover, in contrast to BM Mφ, LPS treatment of OM led to the upregulation of CD80, an M1 marker, as well as IL-10 and IL-6, known anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, these data reveal that OM and BM Mφ are distinct subgroups of macrophages, whose phenotypic and functional differences in proliferation, phagocytosis, and osteoclast formation may contribute physiological specificity during health and disease. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

The Hematopoietic Bone Marrow Niche Ecosystem

The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, also called the BM niche, is essential for the maintenance of fully functional blood cell formation (hematopoiesis) throughout life. Under physiologic conditions the niche protects hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from sustained or overstimulation. Acute or chronic stress deregulates hematopoiesis and some of these alterations occur indirectly via the niche. Effects on niche cells include skewing of its cellular composition, specific localization and molecular signals that differentially regulate the function of HSCs and their progeny. Importantly, while acute insults display only transient effects, repeated or chronic insults lead to sustained alterations of the niche, resulting in HSC deregulation. We here describe how changes in BM niche composition (ecosystem) and structure (remodeling) modulate activation of HSCs in situ. Current knowledge has revealed that upon chronic stimulation, BM remodeling is more extensive and otherwise quiescent HSCs may be lost due to diminished cellular maintenance processes, such as autophagy, ER stress response, and DNA repair. Features of aging in the BM ecology may be the consequence of intermittent stress responses, ultimately resulting in the degeneration of the supportive stem cell microenvironment. Both chronic stress and aging impair the functionality of HSCs and increase the overall susceptibility to development of diseases, including malignant transformation. To understand functional degeneration, an important prerequisite is to define distinguishing features of unperturbed niche homeostasis in different settings. A unique setting in this respect is xenotransplantation, in which human cells depend on niche factors produced by other species, some of which we will review. These insights should help to assess deviations from the steady state to actively protect and improve recovery of the niche ecosystem in situ to optimally sustain healthy hematopoiesis in experimental and clinical settings.

Uncoupling key determinants of hematopoietic stem cell engraftment through cell-specific and temporally controlled recipient conditioning

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are typically characterized by transplantation into irradiated hosts in a highly perturbed microenvironment. Here, we show that selective and temporally controlled depletion of resident HSCs through genetic deletion of Gata2 constitutes efficient recipient conditioning for transplantation without irradiation. Strikingly, we achieved robust engraftment of donor HSCs even when delaying Gata2 deletion until 4 weeks after transplantation, allowing homing and early localization to occur in a completely non-perturbed environment. When HSCs from the congenic strains Ly5.1 and Ly5.2 were competitively transplanted, we found that the more proliferative state of Ly5.2 HSCs was associated with superior long-term engraftment when using conditioning by standard irradiation, while higher CXCR4 expression and a better homing ability of Ly5.1 HSCs strongly favored the outcome in our inducible HSC depletion model. Thus, the mode and timing of recipient conditioning challenges distinct functional features of transplanted HSCs.

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Inducible gene deletion of Gata2 rapidly and selectively depletes the HSC pool

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Gata2 deletion constitutes efficient recipient conditioning for HSC transplantation

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The model enables detection of HSC engraftment in a non-perturbed microenvironment

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Transplantation without irradiation uniquely challenges homing properties of HSCs

Clonal tracking of haematopoietic cells: insights and clinical implications

Recent advances in high-throughput genomics have enabled the direct tracking of outputs from many cell types, greatly accelerating the study of developmental processes and tissue regeneration. The capacity for long-term self-renewal with multilineage differentiation potential characterises the cellular dynamics of a special set of developmental states that are critical for maintaining homeostasis. In haematopoiesis, the archetypal model for development, lineage-tracing experiments have elucidated the roles of haematopoietic stem cells to ongoing blood production and the importance of long-lived immune cells to immunological memory. An understanding of the biology and clonal dynamics of these cellular fates and states can provide clues to the response of haematopoiesis to ageing, the process of malignant transformation, and are key to designing more efficacious and durable clinical gene and cellular therapies.

A multi-niche microvascularized human bone marrow (hBM) on-a-chip elucidates key roles of the endosteal niche in hBM physiology

The human bone marrow (hBM) is a complex organ critical for hematopoietic and immune homeostasis, and where many cancers metastasize. Understanding the fundamental biology of the hBM in health and diseases remain difficult due to complexity of studying or manipulating the BM in humans. Accurate biomaterial-based in vitro models of the hBM microenvironment are critical to further our understanding of the BM-niche and advancing new clinical interventions. Here we report a unique, 96-well format, microfluidic hBM-on-a-chip that incorporates the endosteal, central marrow, and perivascular niches of the human BM. Osteogenic differentiation of donor human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) produced robust mineralization on the bottom surface ("bone-like endosteal layer") of the device, and subsequent seeding of human endothelial cells and MSCs in a fibrin-collagen hydrogel network ("central marrow") on the top created an interconnected 3D microvascular network ("perivascular niche"). The 96-well format allows eight independent "chips" to be studied in one plate, thereby increasing throughput and reproducibility. We show that this complex, multi-niche microtissue accurately mimics hBM composition and microphysiology, while providing key insights on hematopoietic progenitor dynamics. Presence of the endosteal niche decreased the proliferation and increased maintenance of CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Upon exposure to radiation, HSCs in the hBM-chips containing endosteal niches were less frequently apoptotic, suggesting a potentially radio-protective role of the osteoblast surface. Our methods and results provide a broad platform for creating complex, multi-niche, high-throughput microphysiological (MPS) systems. Specifically, this hBM-on-a-chip opens new opportunities in human bone marrow research and therapeutics development, and can be used to better understand normal and impaired hematopoiesis, and various hBM pathologies, including cancer and BM failures.

Canonical signaling by TGF family members in mesenchymal stromal cells is dispensable for hematopoietic niche maintenance under basal and stress conditions

Mesenchymal stromal cells are an important component of the bone marrow hematopoietic niche. Prior studies showed that signaling from members of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily in mesenchymal stromal cells is required for normal niche development. Here, we assessed the impact of TGF family signaling on niche maintenance and stress responses by deleting Smad4 in mesenchymal stromal cells at birth, thereby abrogating canonical TGF signaling. No alteration in the number or spatial organization of CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells, osteoblasts, or adipocytes was observed in Osx-Cre, Smad4^fl/fl mice, and expression of key niche factors was normal. Basal hematopoiesis and stress erythropoiesis responses to acute hemolytic anemia were normal. TGF-β potently inhibits stromal CXCL12 expression in vitro; however, G-CSF induced decreases in bone marrow CXCL12 expression and subsequent hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell mobilization were normal in Osx-Cre, Tgfbr2^fl/fl mice, in which all TGF-β signaling in mesenchymal stromal is lost. Finally, although a prior study showed that TGF-β enhances recovery from myeloablative therapy, hematopoietic recovery following single or multiple doses of 5-flurauracil were normal in Osx-Cre, Tgfbr2^fl/fl mice. Collectively, these data suggest that TGF family member signaling in mesenchymal stromal cells is dispensable for hematopoietic niche maintenance under basal and stress conditions.

Isolation and identification of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells from breast cancer patients after exposure neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

With recent research advances, adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have been demonstrated to facilitate the survival of fat grafts and thus are increasingly used for reconstructive procedures following surgery for breast cancer. Unfortunately, in patients, following radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer suggest that these cancer treatment therapies may limit stem cell cellular functions important for soft tissue wound healing. For clinical translation to patients that have undergone cancer treatment, it is necessary to understand the effects of these therapies on the ASC's ability to improve fat graft survival in clinical practice.

AIM

To investigate whether the impact on ASCs function capacity and recovery in cancer patients may be due to the chemotherapy.

METHODS

ASCs were isolated from the cancerous side and noncancerous side of the breast from the same patients with receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or not-receiving NAC. ASCs were in vitro treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin (DXR), and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) at various concentrations. The stem cells yield, cell viability, and proliferation rates were measured by growth curves and MTT assays. Differentiation capacity for adipogenesis was determined by qPCR analysis of the specific gene markers and histological staining.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the yield of ASCs in patients receiving NAC treatment and not-receiving NAC. ASCs yield from the cancerous side of the breast showed lower than the noncancerous side of the breast in both patients receiving NAC and not-receiving NAC. The proliferation rates of ASCs from patients didn't differ much before and after NAC upon in vitro culture, and these cells appeared to retain the capacity to acquire adipocyte traits simile to the ASCs from patients not-receiving NAC. After cessation and washout of the drugs for another a week of culturing, ASCs showed a slow recovery of cell growth capacity in 5-FU-treated groups but was not observed in ASCs treated with DXR groups.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant therapies do not affect the functioning capacity of ASCs. ASCs may hold great potential to serve as a cell source for fat grafting and reconstruction in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

N-Cadherin-Expressing Bone and Marrow Stromal Progenitor Cells Maintain Reserve Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by bone marrow (BM) niches has been extensively studied; however, whether and how HSC subpopulations are distinctively regulated by BM niches remain unclear. Here, we functionally distinguished reserve HSCs (rHSCs) from primed HSCs (pHSCs) based on their response to chemotherapy and examined how they are dichotomously regulated by BM niches. Both pHSCs and rHSCs supported long-term hematopoiesis in homeostasis; however, pHSCs were sensitive but rHSCs were resistant to chemotherapy. Surviving rHSCs restored the HSC pool and supported hematopoietic regeneration after chemotherapy. The rHSCs were preferentially maintained in the endosteal region that enriches N-cadherin⁺ (N-cad⁺) bone-lining cells in homeostasis and post-chemotherapy. N-cad⁺ cells were functional bone and marrow stromal progenitor cells (BMSPCs), giving rise to osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Finally, ablation of N-cad⁺ niche cells or deletion of SCF from N-cad⁺ niche cells impaired rHSC maintenance during homeostasis and regeneration.

Haematopoietic stem cell activity and interactions with the niche

The haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) microenvironment in the bone marrow, termed the niche, ensures haematopoietic homeostasis by controlling the proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation and migration of HSCs and progenitor cells at steady state and in response to emergencies and injury. Improved methods for HSC isolation, driven by advances in single-cell and molecular technologies, have led to a better understanding of their behaviour, heterogeneity and lineage fate and of the niche cells and signals that regulate their function. Niche regulatory signals can be in the form of cell-bound or secreted factors and other local physical cues. A combination of technological advances in bone marrow imaging and genetic manipulation of crucial regulatory factors has enabled the identification of several candidate cell types regulating the niche, including both non-haematopoietic (for example, perivascular mesenchymal stem and endothelial cells) and HSC-derived (for example, megakaryocytes, macrophages and regulatory T cells), with better topographical understanding of HSC localization in the bone marrow. Here, we review advances in our understanding of HSC regulation by niches during homeostasis, ageing and cancer, and we discuss their implications for the development of therapies to rejuvenate aged HSCs or niches or to disrupt self-reinforcing malignant niches.

Megakaryocytes promote bone formation through coupling osteogenesis with angiogenesis by secreting TGF-β1

Rationale: The hematopoietic system and skeletal system have a close relationship, and megakaryocytes (MKs) may be involved in maintaining bone homeostasis. However, the exact role and underlying mechanism of MKs in bone formation during steady-state and stress conditions are still unclear.

Methods: We first evaluated the bone phenotype with MKs deficiency in bone marrow by using c-Mpl-deficient mice and MKs-conditionally deleted mice. Then, osteoblasts (OBs) proliferation and differentiation and CD31^hiEmcn^hi tube formation were assessed. The expression of growth factors related to bone formation in MKs was detected by RNA-sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Mice with specific depletion of TGF-β1 in MKs were used to further verify the effect of MKs on osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Finally, MKs treatment of irradiation-induced bone injury was tested in a mouse model.

Results: We found that MKs deficiency significantly impaired bone formation. Further investigations revealed that MKs could promote OBs proliferation and differentiation, as well as CD31^hiEmcn^hi vessels formation, by secreting high levels of TGF-β1. Consistent with these findings, mice with specific depletion of TGF-β1 in MKs displayed significantly decreased bone mass and strength. Importantly, treatment with MKs or thrombopoietin (TPO) substantially attenuated radioactive bone injury in mice by directly or indirectly increasing the level of TGF-β1 in bone marrow. MKs-derived TGF-β1 was also involved in suppressing apoptosis and promoting DNA damage repair in OBs after irradiation exposure.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that MKs contribute to bone formation through coupling osteogenesis with angiogenesis by secreting TGF-β1, which may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of irradiation-induced osteoporosis.

Role of growth factors in hematopoietic stem cell niche

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) produce new blood cells everyday throughout life, which is maintained by the self-renewal and differentiation ability of HSCs. This is not controlled by the HSCs alone, but rather by the complex and exquisite microenvironment surrounding the HSCs, which is called the bone marrow niche and consists of various bone marrow cells, growth factors, and cytokines. It is essential to understand the characteristic role of the stem cell niche and the growth factors in the niche formation. In this review, we describe the role of the bone marrow niche and factors for niche homeostasis, and also summarize the latest research related to stem cell niche.

Dermal sheath contraction powers stem cell niche relocation during hair cycle regression

Tissue homeostasis requires the balance of growth by cell production and regression through cell loss. In the hair cycle, during follicle regression, the niche traverses the skin through an unknown mechanism to reach the stem cell reservoir and trigger new growth. Here, we identify the dermal sheath that lines the follicle as the key driver of tissue regression and niche relocation through the smooth muscle contractile machinery that generates centripetal constriction force. We reveal that the calcium-calmodulin-myosin light chain kinase pathway controls sheath contraction. When this pathway is blocked, sheath contraction is inhibited, impeding follicle regression and niche relocation. Thus, our study identifies the dermal sheath as smooth muscle that drives follicle regression for reuniting niche and stem cells in order to regenerate tissue structure during homeostasis.

Metcalf Lecture Award: Applying niche biology to engineer T-cell regenerative therapies

The processes generating cells of adaptive immunity render them less amenable to the single cytokine signals used so effectively to regenerate myeloid cells. T-cell neogenesis begins in the bone marrow, where specific sets of late osteolineage cells govern the specification of hematopoietic cells capable of migrating to the thymus where differentiation is completed. Osteocalcin-expressing bone marrow stromal cells producing Dll4 serve as a progenitor niche enabling this T-competent cell production. Biocompatible alginate-based cryogels containing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2) and the Notch ligand Dll4 were engineered to recapitulate the endogenous niche. These cryogels are highly pliable and can be injected under the skin of animals undergoing bone marrow transplantation. The result in mice is an ectopic niche fostering T-competent progenitor generation that results in improved T-cell numbers and receptor diversity. The recipients can generate neoantigen vaccine responses while having improved tolerance manifest by reduced graft-versus-host disease upon allogeneic transplant. Through emerging details of niches in the bone marrow, therapeutics more complex than those necessary for myeloid reconstitution are possible. Niche biology-guided bioengineered design offers the possibility of regenerative therapies for T lymphoid cells.

Megakaryocyte and Osteoblast Interactions Modulate Bone Mass and Hematopoiesis

Emerging evidence demonstrates that megakaryocytes (MK) play key roles in regulating skeletal homeostasis and hematopoiesis. To test if the loss of MK negatively impacts osteoblastogenesis and hematopoiesis, we generated conditional knockout mice where Mpl, the receptor for the main MK growth factor, thrombopoietin, was deleted specifically in MK (Mpl^f/f;PF4cre). Unexpectedly, at 12 weeks of age, these mice exhibited a 10-fold increase in platelets, a significant expansion of hematopoietic/mesenchymal precursors, and a remarkable 20-fold increase in femoral midshaft bone volume. We then investigated whether MK support hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function through the interaction of MK with osteoblasts (OB). LSK cells (Lin^-Sca1⁺CD117⁺, enriched HSC population) were co-cultured with OB+MK for 1 week (1wk OB+MK+LSK) or OB alone (1wk OB+LSK). A significant increase in colony-forming units was observed with cells from 1wk OB+MK cultures. Competitive repopulation studies demonstrated significantly higher engraftment in mice transplanted with cells from 1wk OB+MK+LSK cultures compared to 1wk OB+LSK or LSK cultured alone for 1 week. Furthermore, single-cell expression analysis of OB cultured±MK revealed adiponectin as the most significantly upregulated MK-induced gene, which is required for optimal long-term hematopoietic reconstitution. Understanding the interactions between MK, OB, and HSC can inform the development of novel treatments to enhance both HSC recovery following myelosuppressive injuries, as well as bone loss diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Mouse serum protects against total body irradiation-induced hematopoietic system injury by improving the systemic environment after radiation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in total body irradiation (TBI)-induced hematopoietic system injury. However, the mechanisms involved in ROS production in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) post TBI need to be further explored. In this study, we demonstrated that hematopoietic system injury in mice radiated with TBI was effectively alleviated when the blood circulation environment was changed via the injection of serum from non-radiated mice. Serum injection increased the survival of radiated mice and ameliorated TBI-induced hematopoietic system injury through attenuating myeloid skew, increasing HSC frequency, and promoting the reconstitution of radiated HSCs. Serum injection also decreased ROS levels in HSCs and regulated oxidative stress-related proteins. A serum proteome sequence array showed that proteins related to tissue injury and oxidative stress were regulated, and a serum-derived exosome microRNA sequence assay showed that the PI3K-Akt and Hippo signaling pathways were affected in radiated mice injected with serum from non-radiated mice. Furthermore, a significant increase in cell viability and a decrease in ROS were observed in radiated lineage^-c-kit⁺ cells treated with serum-derived exosomes. Similarly, an improvement in the impaired differentiation of HSCs was observed in radiated mice injected with serum-derived exosomes. Taken together, our observations suggest that serum from non-radiated mice alleviates HSC injury in radiated mice by improving the systemic environment after radiation, and exosomes contribute to this radioprotective effect as important serum active component.

Imaging methods used to study mouse and human HSC niches: Current and emerging technologies

Bone marrow contains numerous different cell types arising from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and non-hematopoietic mesenchymal/skeletal stem cells, in addition to other cell types such as endothelial cells- these non-hematopoietic cells are commonly referred to as stromal cells or microenvironment cells. HSC function is intimately linked to complex signals integrated by their niches, formed by combinations of hematopoietic and stromal cells. Studies of hematopoietic cells have been significantly advanced by flow cytometry methods, enabling the quantitation of each cell type in normal and perturbed situations, in addition to the isolation of these cells for molecular and functional studies. Less is known, however, about the specific niches for distinct developing hematopoietic lineages, or the changes occurring in the niche size and function in these distinct anatomical sites in the bone marrow under stress situations and ageing. Significant advances in imaging technology during the last decade have permitted studies of HSC niches in mice. Additional imaging technologies are emerging that will facilitate the study of human HSC niches in trephine BM biopsies. Here we provide an overview of imaging technologies used to study HSC niches, in addition to highlighting emerging technology that will help us to more precisely identify and characterize HSC niches in normal and diseased states.

Carcinogenesis and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling: Interaction of the NADPH Oxidase NOX1-5 and Superoxide Dismutase 1-3 Signal Transduction Pathways

SIGNIFICANCE

Reduction/oxidation (redox) balance could be defined as an even distribution of reduction and oxidation complementary processes and their reaction end products. There is a consensus that aberrant levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly observed in cancer, stimulate primary cell immortalization and progression of carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism how different ROS regulate redox balance is not completely understood. Recent Advances: In the current review, we have summarized the main signaling cascades inducing NADPH oxidase NOX1-5 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1-3 expression and their connection to cell proliferation, immortalization, transformation, and CD34+ cell differentiation in thyroid, colon, lung, breast, and hematological cancers.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Interestingly, many of the signaling pathways activating redox enzymes or mediating the effect of ROS are common, such as pathways initiated from G protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinase receptors involving protein kinase A, phospholipase C, calcium, and small GTPase signaling molecules.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The clarification of interaction of signal transduction pathways could explain how cells regulate redox balance and may even provide means to inhibit the accumulation of harmful levels of ROS in human pathologies.

Clonal-level lineage commitment pathways of hematopoietic stem cells in vivo

While the aggregate differentiation of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population has been extensively studied, little is known about the lineage commitment process of individual HSC clones. Here, we provide lineage commitment maps of HSC clones under homeostasis and after perturbations of the endogenous hematopoietic system. Under homeostasis, all donor-derived HSC clones regenerate blood homogeneously throughout all measured stages and lineages of hematopoiesis. In contrast, after the hematopoietic system has been perturbed by irradiation or by an antagonistic anti-ckit antibody, only a small fraction of donor-derived HSC clones differentiate. Some of these clones dominantly expand and exhibit lineage bias. We identified the cellular origins of clonal dominance and lineage bias and uncovered the lineage commitment pathways that lead HSC clones to different levels of self-renewal and blood production under various transplantation conditions. This study reveals surprising alterations in HSC fate decisions directed by conditioning and identifies the key hematopoiesis stages that may be manipulated to control blood production and balance.

Paracrine Factors Released by Osteoblasts Provide Strong Platelet Engraftment Properties

Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) and progenitors may one day overcome the slow platelet engraftment kinetics associated with umbilical cord blood transplantation. Serum-free medium conditioned with osteoblasts (i.e., osteoblast-conditioned medium [OCM]) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) was previously shown to increase cell growth and raise the levels of human platelets in mice transplanted with OCM-expanded progenitors. Herein, we characterized the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these osteoblast-derived properties. Limiting dilution transplantation assays revealed that osteoblasts secrete soluble factors that synergize with exogenously added cytokines to promote the production of progenitors with short-term platelet engraftment activities, and to a lesser extent with long-term platelet engraftment activities. OCM also modulated the expression repertoire of cell-surface receptors implicated in the trafficking of HSC and progenitors to the bone marrow. Furthermore, OCM contains growth factors with prosurvival and proliferation activities that synergized with stem cell factor. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-2 was found to be present at higher levels in OCM than in control medium conditioned with MSC. Inhibition of the IGF-1 receptor, which conveys IGF-2' intracellular signaling, largely abolished the growth-promoting activity of OCM on immature CD34⁺ subsets and progenitors in OCM cultures. Finally, IGF-1R effects appear to be mediated in part by the coactivator β-catenin. In summary, these results provide new insights into the paracrine regulatory activities of osteoblasts on HSC, and how these can be used to modulate the engraftment properties of human HSC and progenitors expanded in culture. Stem Cells 2019;37:345-356.

Distinct Bone Marrow Sources of Pleiotrophin Control Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance and Regeneration

Bone marrow (BM) perivascular stromal cells and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are essential for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance, but the roles of distinct niche compartments during HSC regeneration are less understood. Here we show that Leptin receptor-expressing (LepR+) BM stromal cells and ECs dichotomously regulate HSC maintenance and regeneration via secretion of pleiotrophin (PTN). BM stromal cells are the key source of PTN during steady-state hematopoiesis because its deletion from stromal cells, but not hematopoietic cells, osteoblasts, or ECs, depletes the HSC pool. Following myelosuppressive irradiation, PTN expression is increased in bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs), and PTN⁺ ECs are more frequent in the niche. Moreover, deleting Ptn from ECs impairs HSC regeneration whereas Ptn deletion from BM stromal cells does not. These findings reveal dichotomous and complementary regulation of HSC maintenance and regeneration by BM stromal cells and ECs.

The Role of Nrf2 in the Response to Normal Tissue Radiation Injury

The transcription factor Nrf2 is an important modulator of antioxidant and drug metabolism, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as heme and iron metabolism. Regulation of Nrf2 expression occurs transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Post-transcriptional regulation entails ubiquitination followed by proteasome-dependent degradation. Additionally, Nrf2-mediated gene expression is subject to negative regulation by ATF3, Bach1 and cMyc. Nrf2-mediated gene expression is an important regulator of a cell's response to radiation. Although a majority of studies have shown that Nrf2 deficient cells are radiosensitized and Nrf2 over expression confers radioresistance, Nrf2's role in mediating the radiation response of crypt cells is controversial. The Nrf2 activator CDDO attenuates radiation-mediated crypt injury, whereas intestinal crypts in Nrf2 null mice are radiation resistant. Further investigation is needed in order to define the relationship between Nrf2 and radiation sensitivity in Lgr5+ and Bmi1+ cells that regulate regeneration of crypt stem cells. In hematopoietic compartments Nrf2 promotes the survival of irradiated osteoblasts that support long-term hematopoietic stem cell (LT-HSC) niches. Loss of Nrf2 in LT-HSCs increases stem cell intrinsic radiosensitivity, with the consequence of lowering the LD50₃₀. An Nrf2 deficiency drives LT-HSCs from a quiescent to a proliferative state. This results in hematopoietic exhaustion and reduced engraftment after myoablative irradiation. The question of whether induction of Nrf2 in LT-HSC enhances hematopoietic reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation is not yet resolved. Irradiation of the lung induces pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis. Loss of Nrf2 promotes TGF-β/Smad signaling that induces ATF3 suppression of Nrf2-mediated target gene expression. This, in turn, results in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and isolevuglandin adduction of protein that impairs collagen degradation, and may contribute to radiation-induced chronic cell injury. Loss of Nrf2 impairs ΔNp63 stem/progenitor cell mobilization after irradiation, while promoting alveolar type 2 cell epithelial-mesenchymal transitions into myofibroblasts. These studies identify Nrf2 as an important factor in the radiation response of normal tissue.

Identification of megakaryocytes as a target of advanced glycation end products in diabetic complications in bone marrow

AIMS

To define the possible effect of diabetic conditions on megakaryocytes, the long-know precursors of platelets and lately characterized modulator of hematopoietic stem quiescence-activation transition.

METHODS

Megakaryoblastic MEG-01 cell culture and TPO/SCF/IL-3-induced differentiation of human umbilical blood mononuclear cells toward megakaryocytes were used to test effects of glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA-AGEs). The ob/ob mice and streptozotocin-treated mice were used as models of hyperglycemia. MTT was used to measure cell proliferation, FACS for surface marker and cell cycle, and RT-qPCR for the expression of interested genes. Megakaryocytes at different stages in marrow smear were checked under microscope.

RESULTS

When added in MEG-01 cultures at 200 μg/ml, BSA-AGEs increased proliferation of cells and enhanced mRNA expression of RAGE, VEGFα and PF4 in the cells. None of cell cycle distribution, PMA-induced platelet-like particles production, expression of GATA1/NF-E2/PU-1/IL-6/OPG/PDGF in MEG-01 cells nor TPO/SCF/IL-3 induced umbilical cord blood cells differentiation into megakaryocyte was affected by BSA-AGEs. In the ob/ob diabetic mice, MKs percentages in marrow cells and platelets in peripheral blood were significantly increased compared with control mice. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, however, MKs percentage in marrow cells was decreased though peripheral platelet counts were not altered. Gene expression assay showed that the change in MKs in these two diabetic conditions might be explained by the alteration of GATA1 and NF-E2 expression, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic condition in animals might exert its influence on hematopoiesis via megakaryocytes-the newly identified modulator of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow.

Identification of a murine CD45-F4/80lo HSC-derived marrow endosteal cell associated with donor stem cell engraftment

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in specialized microenvironments within the marrow designated as stem cell niches, which function to support HSCs at homeostasis and promote HSC engraftment after radioablation. We previously identified marrow space remodeling after hematopoietic ablation, including osteoblast thickening, osteoblast proliferation, and megakaryocyte migration to the endosteum, which is critical for effective engraftment of donor HSCs. To further evaluate the impact of hematopoietic cells on marrow remodeling, we used a transgenic mouse model (CD45Cre/iDTR) to selectively deplete hematopoietic cells in situ. Depletion of hematopoietic cells immediately before radioablation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation abrogated donor HSC engraftment and was associated with strikingly flattened endosteal osteoblasts with preserved osteoblast proliferation and megakaryocyte migration. Depletion of monocytes, macrophages, or megakaryocytes (the predominant hematopoietic cell populations that survive short-term after irradiation) did not lead to an alteration of osteoblast morphology, suggesting that a hematopoietic-derived cell outside these lineages regulates osteoblast morphologic adaptation after irradiation. Using 2 lineage-tracing strategies, we identified a novel CD45^-F4/80^lo HSC-derived cell that resides among osteoblasts along the endosteal marrow surface and, at least transiently, survives radioablation. This newly identified marrow cell may be an important regulator of HSC engraftment, possibly by influencing the shape and function of endosteal osteoblasts.

Heterogeneity of the bone marrow niche

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The bone marrow niche is increasingly recognized as heterogeneous with specific subtypes of mesenchymal niche cells governing the development or homeostasis of selective parenchymal hematopoietic subsets. The present review outlines recent efforts in dissecting these microniches regulated by unique cell pairings within the bone marrow and provides an overview of how the bone marrow orchestrates multiple facets of hematopoiesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent advancement in technologies has significantly improved our understanding of the cellular and molecular constituents that contribute to regulation of hematopoiesis and to maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Transgenic mouse models that enable endogenous cell deletion or lineage tracing, coupled with advanced intravital microscopy has identified several mesenchymal cell types, including the osteolineage cells, megakaryocytes, macrophages, perivascular cells, and Schwann cells, to be indispensible regulators of hematopoiesis. These niche cells, when perturbed, each caused very specific hematopoietic consequences including impairment in B-cell maturation, T lineage development, erythropoiesis, and impact different aspects of HSC behavior such as quiescence, mobilization, and response to acute stress signals.

SUMMARY

The emerging concept is that the bone marrow environment is composed of multiple microniches, each consisting of unique pairing of distinct supportive stromal cells with distinct hematopoietic subtypes to regulate a particular branch of hematopoietic cell process. The bone marrow can be viewed as a carrier with subcompartments tailored to support different hematopoietic activities.