LABORATORY RESEARCH Platelet-Biased Stem Cells Reside at the Apex of the Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Hierarchy Scientists identified and prospectively isolated a molecularly and functionally distinct mouse hematopoietic stem cell subset primed for platelet-specific gene expression, with enhanced propensity for short- and long-term reconstitution of platelets. [Nature] Abstract BET Protein Inhibition Shows Efficacy against JAK2V617F Driven Neoplasms Scientists report that I-BET151, a highly specific BET family bromodomain inhibitor, leads to growth inhibition in a human erythroleukemic cell line as well as in erythroid precursors isolated from polycythemia vera patients. One of the genes most highly down regulated by I-BET151 was LMO2, an important oncogenic regulator of hematopoietic stem cell development and erythropoiesis. [Leukemia] Abstract Molecular Functions of the LIM-Homeobox Transcription Factor Lhx2 in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Derived from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Researchers analyzed the functions of Lhx2 in that process using an embryonic stem (ES) cell line harboring an inducible Lhx2 gene cassette. When ES cells are cultured on OP9 stromal cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are differentiated and these HPCs are prone to undergo rapid differentiation into mature hematopoietic cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract Distinct Temporal Requirements for Runx1 in Hematopoietic Progenitors and Stem Cells To define more precisely when Runx1 transitions from an essential factor to a homeostatic regulator of erythroid/myeloid progenitors and hematopoietic stem cells, and whether that transition requires fetal liver colonization, investigators performed conditional, timed deletions of Runx1 between E7.5 and E13.5. [Development] Abstract Inflammation-Mediated Notch Signaling Skews Fanconi Anemia Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation Researchers report that deregulation of Notch signaling skews hematopoietic stem cell differentiation in mouse models of Fanconi anemia, a genetic disorder associated with bone marrow failure and progression to leukemia and other cancers. [J Immunol] Abstract Placental Growth Factor Expression Is Required for Bone Marrow Endothelial Cell Support of Primitive Murine Hematopoietic Cells Investigators demonstrated that endothelial cells derived from the bone marrow supported hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to a higher degree than other endothelial or stromal cell populations. [PLoS One] Full Article CLINICAL RESEARCH Second Allograft for Hematologic Relapse of Acute Leukemia after First Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation from Related and Unrelated Donors: The Role of Donor Change Researchers performed a retrospective registry study on 179 second allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations (HSCT2s) given for relapse after first hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation from matched related donors or unrelated donors, using identical or alternative donors for HSCT2. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Following High Dose Chemotherapy for Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcomas The authors assessed the effectiveness and safety of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for all stages of non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas in children and adults. [Cochrane Database Syst Rev] Abstract Genetic Susceptibility to Anthracycline-Related Congestive Heart Failure in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Investigators examined the association between the development of congestive heart failure after hematopoietic cell transplantation and polymorphisms in 16 candidate genes involved in anthracycline metabolism, iron homeostasis, anti-oxidant defense, and myocardial remodeling. [Br J Haematol] Abstract |