Klin Onkol 2002; 15(4): 121-125.
Summary: Based on a number of studies performed in the last three decades the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology is highly integrated process under control of extracellular and intracellular mechanisms. HSC may exist in stem cell niches, where stromal cells and various molecules such as cytokines, extracellular matrix, chemokines, adhesion molecules provide the appropriate balance signals that preserves the HSC pool while permitting controlled proliferation and differentiation. Identification of in vitro conditions that would enable to regulate self-renewal and differentiation in vitro has been a major challenge in the last few years and some success occured recently in HSC expansion. HSC seem to be a favourite target in attempt to implement gene therapy. Any progress in this area would give new insights into developement of some hematological malignancies that are thought to originate at the pluripotent stem cell level. New knowledge could result in the developement of more efficient and more specific therapy of various malignant and nonmalignant hematological disorders.
