Establishment of Stroma: Role of M-SCF

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The establishment of a supportive stromal cell compartment precedes the formation of the hematopoietic system. Traditionally, the stromal cell compartment has been viewed as static (once it has been established), supporting an ever changing hematopoietic compartment. However, increasing evidence indicates that the stromal cell compartment is dynamic, reacting to extrinsic signals that can either damage or enhance stromal cell function and number. we showed that mesenchymal stromal cell precursors express cfms, the receptor for M-CSF. Moreover, we showed that stromal cell precursors need M-CSF to establish a functional stromal cell compartment. More recently, others have shown that high doses of M-CSF inhibit the growth of stromal cell precursors. Mature stromal cells. are a major sources of M-CSF. This opens the intriguing possibility that stromal cells regulate the size of their own compartment via a dose dependent response to M-SCF.

Mesanchymal Stem Cells/Stromal Cells

Stromal Cell Regulation of Stem Cell Maintenance

Establishment of Stroma: Role of M-SCF

Regulation of Stroma Function: Role of CD44