Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Senescence of hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow failure.

Chen J

Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1202, USA. chenji@nhlbi.nih.gov

Functional failure in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may bring fatal consequences because HSCs are the ultimate source of mature blood cells, which need continuous replenishment. One potential cause of HSC dysfunction is senescence, in which HSCs and progenitor cells enter a state of proliferative arrest. HSC senescence is genetically regulated and one particular regulator is the telomerase gene. Mutations in the telomerase gene complex have been found in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes. During a normal lifetime, HSC clones function over the long term and may not show any functional loss under normal circumstances. However, pathologic environments may limit HSC proliferation, accelerate HSC turnover, and shorten the functional life of HSCs, leading to HSC clonal exhaustion and senescence.

Published 6 October 2005 in Int J Hematol, 82(3): 190-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Stem Cells Research Today. All Rights Reserved.