Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are uniquely capable of selfrenewal and provision of all of the mature elements of the blood and immune system throughout the lifetime of an individual. HSC self-renewal is regulated by both intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic signals mediated via specialized microenvironments or 'niches' wherein HSCs reside. HSCs have been shown to reside in close association with bone marrow (BM) osteoblasts in the endosteal niche and also in proximity to BM sinusoidal vessels. An unresolved question surrounds whether the endosteal and vascular niches provide synchronous or redundant regulation of HSC fate or whether these niches provide wholly unique regulatory functions. Furthermore, while some aspects of the mechanisms through which osteoblasts regulate HSC fate have been defined, the mechanisms through which the vascular niche regulates HSC fate remain obscure. Here, we summarize the anatomic and functional basis supporting the concept of an HSC vascular niche as well as the precise function of endothelial cells, perivascular cells and stromal cells within the niche in regulating HSC fate. Lastly, we will highlight the role of the vascular niche in regulating leukemic stem cell fate in vivo. Leukemia (2012)
Concept of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) nicheThe concept of an instructive role for the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in regulating hematopoietic cell fate was introduced at least 50 years ago and has been validated over the past decade. 1-9 It has long been postulated that HSCs reside in specialized niches within the adult BM. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In addition to HSCs and their progeny, the BM comprises a rich network of osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neuronal cells, adipocytes, sinusoidal vessels and perivascular reticular cells (Figure 1). Recently, genetic knockout studies have begun to demonstrate the functional role of specific cells within the BM microenvironment in regulating hematopoiesis. [3][4][5]7,[15][16][17][18][19][20] Interestingly, certain niches within the BM may uniquely regulate HSC homeostasis in vivo while other niches may be more relevant to HSC regeneration following injury. However, it remains unknown whether there is meaningful 'cross-talk' between distinct microenvironmental cells in regulating HSC fate in vivo. Interestingly, as early as 1961, Fliedner et al. 9 postulated that the recovery of hematopoiesis in rats following 1000 cGy total body irradiation (TBI) required the recovery of an intact vasculature. Similarly, McClugage et al. 14 used a window chamber to visualize dynamic changes in tibial BM cellularity and architecture in live rabbits. Interestingly, both studies suggested a strong association between vasculogenesis in the BM and the hematopoietic response to stress or injury. 9,14 Role of the BM osteoblast With advances in mouse genetics and microscopy, the function of the BM osteoblast in regulating hematopoiesis and HSC homeostasis has been demonstrated. 4,5,14,[21][22][23][24] Human osteoblasts were shown by Taichma...