This review summarizes our current understanding of the presence and function of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in skeletal development and hematopoiesis. Although proteoglycans (PGs) comprise a large and diverse group of cell surface and matrix molecules, we chose to focus on HSPGs owing to their many proposed functions in skeletogenesis and hematopoiesis. Specifically, we discuss how HSPGs play predominant roles in establishing and regulating niches during skeleto-hematopoietic development by participating in distinct developmental processes such as patterning, compartmentalization, growth, differentiation, and maintenance of tissues. Special emphasis is placed on our novel hypothesis that mechanistically links endochondral skeletogenesis to the establishment of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche in the marrow. HSPGs may contribute to these developmental processes through their unique abilities to establish and mediate morphogen, growth factor, and cytokine gradients; facilitate signaling; provide structural stability to tissues; and act as molecular filters and barriers. Developmental
TRIBUTE TO DR. ELIZABETH D. HAYDr. Elizabeth Dexter Hay, "Betty" to her friends, would often introduce her seminars on extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformations by showing pictures of her cats asleep intertwined with a blanket. She would use this analogy to highlight the intimate association that exists between a cell and its ECM during development. She was a pioneer who brought forth the notion that the ECM is not just a static "stuffing between cells," but has interactive and instructive roles in development.Betty's contribution to the ECM field began with her seminal discoveries in the emerging field of electron microscopy. She worked with Keith Porter, George Palade, Don Fawcett, Susumo Ito, Jean-Paul Revel, and others to unravel the intricate microanatomy of the cell and its ECM. Once, when working with Jean-Paul Revel to extend autoradiography to the ultrastructural level, Betty noticed that tritiated proline was incorporated into collagen in the ECM outside of the cartilage cells. Betty went on to demonstrate that epithelial cells, as well as other non-fibroblastic cells, do secrete collagen. Moreover, in her descriptions of the development and structure of the various matrices, Betty brought forth the hypothesis that the ECM interacts with cells, and that through these interactions, the cells are instructed to modify their behavior. This notion was showcased in the "Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation Model" she proposed to describe the dramatic morphological transformations of epithelial cells suspended in collagen gels.Among her numerous scientific accomplishments, Betty can be considered a founder of the field of cell biology. Moreover, through her personal attributes and interactions with col- leagues and her protegees, Betty has set the standard for many a scientist. This review is a tribute to Betty, a friend, colleague, and mentor, and highlights our developing premi...