TGF-β signaling in the control of hematopoietic stem cells.

Ulrika Blank Savukinas, Stefan Karlsson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Blood is a tissue with high cellular turnover, and its production is a tightly orchestrated process that requires constant replenishment. All mature blood cells are generated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are the self-renewing units that sustain life-long hematopoiesis. HSC behavior, such as self-renewal and quiescence, are regulated by a wide array of factors, including external signaling cues present in the bone marrow. The Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family of cytokines constitutes a multifunctional signaling circuitry, which regulates pivotal functions related to cell fate and behavior in virtually all tissues of the body. In the hematopoietic system, TGF-β signaling controls a wide spectrum of biological processes, from homeostasis of the immune system to quiescence and self-renewal of HSCs. Here, we review key features and emerging concepts pertaining to TGF-β and downstream signaling pathways in normal HSC biology, featuring aspects of aging, hematological disease, and how this circuitry may be exploited for clinical purposes in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3542-3550
JournalBlood
Volume125
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Hematology

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