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Senescence of Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Bone Marrow Failure

International Journal of Hematology volume 82, pages 190–195 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Functional failure in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may bring fatal consequences because HSCs are the ultimate source of mature blood cells, which need continuous replenishment. One potential cause of HSC dysfunction is senescence, in which HSCs and progenitor cells enter a state of proliferative arrest. HSC senescence is genetically regulated and one particular regulator is the telomerase gene. Mutations in the telomerase gene complex have been found in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes. During a normal lifetime, HSC clones function over the long term and may not show any functional loss under normal circumstances. However, pathologic environments may limit HSC proliferation, accelerate HSC turnover, and shorten the functional life of HSCs, leading to HSC clonal exhaustion and senescence.

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  1. Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, USA

    Jichun Chen

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  1. Jichun Chen
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Chen, J. Senescence of Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Bone Marrow Failure. Int J Hematol 82, 190–195 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1532/IJH97.05094

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Key words

  • Hematopoietic stem cells
  • Bone marrow failure
  • Senescence
  • Telomerase