Physiological bone marrow niche (BMN)

The physiological bone marrow niche is a complex, multi-component microenvironment that regulates the maintenance, self-renewal, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) (Morrison & Scadden, 2014). It consists of various cell types, including osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells, which provide essential physical and chemical cues through the secretion of factors like CXCL12 and Stem Cell Factor (SCF) (Pinho & Frenette, 2019). This niche is divided into functional compartments, such as the endosteal niche and the vascular niche, each providing a distinct regulatory milieu for hematopoiesis (Nagasawa, 2014). In hematologic malignancies like leukemia and multiple myeloma, the niche is often remodeled into a malignant niche that protects cancer cells from chemotherapy and promotes disease progression (Lane et al., 2014). Therapeutic strategies targeting the niche, such as CXCR4 antagonists (e.g., Plerixafor) or E-selectin inhibitors (e.g., Uproleselan), aim to mobilize cells into the peripheral circulation to enhance treatment efficacy or facilitate stem cell transplantation (DiPersio et al., 2009). Consequently, the bone marrow niche represents a critical systemic target for improving outcomes in blood-related cancers and regenerative medicine.

Other names

Bone marrow microenvironmentHematopoietic stem cell nicheHSC nicheEndosteal nicheVascular niche

Disruption of cell-niche interactions to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells or malignant cells into the peripheral blood.