The role of novel and known extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in the homeostatic and regenerative bone marrow microenvironment

Abstract

Maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells and differentiation of committed progenitors occurs in highly specialized niches. The interactions of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with cells, growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment control homeostasis of HSPCs. We only start to understand the complexity of the haematopoietic niche(s) that comprises endosteal, arterial, sinusoidal, mesenchymal and neuronal components. These distinct niches produce a broad range of soluble factors and adhesion molecules that modulate HSPC fate during normal hematopoiesis and BM regeneration. Adhesive interactions between HSPCs and the microenvironment will influence their localization and differentiation potential. In this review we highlight the current understanding of the functional role of ECM- and adhesion (regulating) molecules in the haematopoietic niche during homeostatic and regenerative hematopoiesis. This knowledge may lead to the improvement of current cellular therapies and more efficient development of future cellular products.

Keywords:

• haematopoietic stem cells
• extracellular matrix
• bone marrow niche
• BIGH3
• integrins
• periostin
• bone marrow regeneration
• adhesion molecules
• matrix proteins
• differentiation

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Acknowledgments

We faithfully thank CE van der Schoot and M von Lindern for critical reading of the manuscript.

Funding

SK is supported by PPO-C (grant 06-005). CV is supported by the Landsteiner Foundation for Blood Transfusion Research (LSBR Fellowship, #1101F).