Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Bone Marrow Homing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

The formation of blood cells, also called hematopoiesis, is a complex process that occurs in the bone marrow and depends on correct regulation of hematopoietic cell fate decisions. Aberrant regulation of hematopoiesis can result in the development of severe malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders, including leukemia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the most powerful treatment modality for a large number of those malignancies. Successful hematopoietic recovery after transplantation depends on homing of hematopoietic stem cells to the bone marrow and subsequent lodging of those cells in the bone marrow microenvironment.