Cancer Stem Cells in Hematopoietic System

Hematopoietic stem cellsHematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) (HSC) are at the top of the hematopoietic hierarchy. HSCs are responsible for both self-renewal and differentiation in hematopoiesis. HSC niches are known to play important roles in the performance of HSCs’ functions. Once HSCs exit the niche, differentiation occurs. Niche components include cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, megakaryocytes. Although HSCs are self-renewing cells, HSC aging is also possible, and DNA damage and epigenetic mechanisms are factors in HSC aging. Hematological malignancies result from somatic mutations in HSCs. Although HSCs underlie hematological diseases and malignancies, HSCs also have an important place in treating these diseases. Stem cell transplants revolutionized treatment. Studies continue with the contributions of developing technology to increase the ex-vivo effectiveness of HSC. In the future, the limitations of HSC studies will be overcome with multidisciplinary approaches and diseases that seem difficult or impossible to treat today will be treated.