Bone marrow niche adhesion interfaces

The bone marrow niche adhesion interfaces represent the complex network of molecular interactions between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or malignant cells and the bone marrow microenvironment (PMID: 24591618). These interfaces are composed of various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), such as integrins (e.g., VLA-4), selectins (e.g., E-selectin), and chemokine receptors (e.g., CXCR4), which facilitate the anchoring, homing, and survival of cells within the marrow (PMID: 30333117). In hematologic malignancies, these adhesion interfaces provide a protective sanctuary that shields cancer cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, leading to minimal residual disease and relapse (PMID: 26433955). Therapeutic strategies targeting these interfaces aim to mobilize malignant cells into the peripheral circulation, where they become more susceptible to cytotoxic agents (PMID: 28811015). Drugs like Plerixafor and Uproleselan are designed to disrupt these specific interactions to improve treatment outcomes in conditions like acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma (PMID: 31570488).

Other names

Bone marrow microenvironment adhesion moleculesHematopoietic stem cell niche interfacesBone marrow vascular nicheEndosteal niche adhesion complex

Disruption of the physical and biochemical interactions between hematopoietic or malignant cells and the bone marrow stroma to induce mobilization and chemosensitization.