The location and cellular composition of the hemopoietic stem cell niche.

Abstract

While it is accepted that hemopoietic stem cells (HSC) are located in a three-dimensional microenvironment, termed a niche, the cellular and extracellular composition, as well as the multifaceted effects the components of the niche have on HSC regulation, remains undefined. Over the past four decades numerous advances in the field have led to the identification of roles for some cell types and propositions of potentially a number of HSC niches. We present evidence supporting the roles of multiple cell types and extracellular matrix molecules in the HSC niche, as well as discuss the potential significant overlap and intertwining of previously proposed distinct HSC niches.