Bone marrow microenvironment niche (BMMN) (BMMN)

The bone marrow microenvironment niche is a specialized anatomical and functional compartment within the bone marrow that governs the maintenance, self-renewal, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) (Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2017). It is composed of distinct sub-niches, primarily the endosteal niche near the bone surface and the perivascular niche surrounding blood vessels, which provide unique regulatory signals through cell-to-cell contact and secreted factors (Blood, 2016). This complex environment includes various cell types such as mesenchymal stromal cells, osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, alongside extracellular matrix components and signaling molecules like CXCL12 and SCF (Cell Stem Cell, 2012). In hematologic malignancies like leukemia and multiple myeloma, the niche is often remodeled into a "pro-tumorigenic" environment that protects malignant cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, leading to drug resistance and disease relapse (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2013). Therapeutic strategies targeting the niche aim to disrupt these protective interactions, for instance, by using CXCR4 antagonists like plerixafor to mobilize malignant cells into the peripheral blood where they are more susceptible to cytotoxic agents (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2011). Additionally, targeting the niche involves modulating bone remodeling or inhibiting adhesion molecules like E-selectin to overcome cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (Blood, 2018).

Other names

Hematopoietic stem cell nicheBone marrow nicheEndosteal nicheVascular nicheBM microenvironment

Disruption of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis to mobilize cells, inhibition of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and modulation of cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) through E-selectin or VLA-4 inhibition.