| Theme |
The multifaced role of bone for multisystem illness |
| Title |
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell niches and bone metabolism |
| Author |
Yuko Kawano |
Hematology, Department of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoshio Katayama |
Hematology, Department of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The skeletal and the hematopoietic systems are being investigated through two different lines of research. These lines of research are connected through the definition of newly discovered functions of bone-forming osteoblasts, as a regulatory niche for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recently, many molecular pathways have been revealed to play a part in interactions between HSC and osteoblasts. They are thought to contribute to the maintenance of HSC numbers and functions. Factors which regulate osteoblastic niches from surrounding tissues are also known, to be linked with the sympathetic nervous system, macrophages, osteocytes, and PGE2. This review focuses primarily on the role of bone cells as HSC regulatory cells with elaboration on the molecules and tissues currently considered to be modulators of HSC behavior. |