Bone marrow stem cell niche

The bone marrow stem cell niche is a highly specialized and dynamic microenvironment within the bone marrow that maintains and regulates hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)[1][9]. It consists of a network of different cell types, including mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, osteoblasts, adipocytes, pericytes, Schwann cells, as well as hematopoietic and immune lineage cells such as osteoclasts, macrophages, and regulatory T cells[2][3][7][8]. The niche provides biochemical and physical cues necessary for the self-renewal, quiescence, differentiation, migration, and survival of HSCs[1][2][4][5][9]. Disruption or remodeling of the niche is implicated in various diseases, especially hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia), bone marrow failure syndromes, and is affected during both aging and stress[2][7][9]. While the niche itself is not a direct molecular therapeutic target, components of the niche (e.g., signaling pathways involving CXCL12, SCF, and adhesion molecules) are being investigated as potential drug targets for modulating hematopoiesis and treating marrow-related diseases[3][7].

Other names

Bone marrow nicheHematopoietic stem cell nicheBM stem cell nicheBM niche