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 language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 3542-3550 |
Journal | Blood |
Volume | 125 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Hematology