Abstract: |
Hematopoietic stem cells, defined as cells with extensive self-renewal and pluripotent differentiation potential, represent a minor population of adult bone marrow (< 1 in 10(4) to 10(5) nucleated marrow cells). Recent advances in cell surface phenotype analysis and separation technology have permitted enrichment of hematopoietic stem cells. Numerous cytokines have been identified that interact additively or synergistically with hematopoietic stem cells to regulate their self-renewal and differentiation. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of hematopoietic stem cells has increasing clinical importance in areas of stem cell-toxic therapy, allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic transplantation, and stem cell gene therapy for genetic or acquired diseases. |