Integrins, anchors and signal transducers of hematopoietic stem cells during development and in adulthood

Peter W. Krenn*, Eloi Montanez, Mercedes Costell, Reinhard Fässler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding/Legal commentaryChapter in BookResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the apex of the hierarchically organized blood cell production system, are generated in the yolk sac, aorta-gonad-mesonephros region and placenta of the developing embryo. To maintain life-long hematopoiesis, HSCs emigrate from their site of origin and seed in distinct microenvironments, called niches, of fetal liver and bone marrow where they receive supportive signals for self-renewal, expansion and production of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), which in turn orchestrate the production of the hematopoietic effector cells. The interactions of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with niche components are to a large part mediated by the integrin superfamily of adhesion molecules. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the functional properties of integrins and their activators, Talin-1 and Kindlin-3, for HSPC generation, function and fate decisions during development and in adulthood. In addition, we discuss integrin-mediated mechanosensing for HSC-niche interactions, ex vivo protocols aimed at expanding HSCs for therapeutic use, and recent approaches targeting the integrin-mediated adhesion in leukemia-inducing HSCs in their protecting, malignant niches.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
EditorsPhilippe M. Soriano
Pages203-261
Number of pages59
Volume149
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
Volume149
ISSN (Print)0070-2153

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords

  • Development
  • Hematopoietic stem cell
  • Integrin adhesion
  • Maintenance
  • Niche
  • Humans
  • Integrins/metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Mesonephros
  • Female
  • Bone Marrow
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Fields of Science and Technology Classification 2012

  • 106 Biology

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