The MicroRNA-132 and MicroRNA-212 Cluster Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance and Survival with Age by Buffering FOXO3 Expression Researchers found that the microRNA-212/132 cluster is enriched in hematopoietic stem cells and is upregulated during aging. Both overexpression and deletion of microRNAs in this cluster leads to inappropriate hematopoiesis with age. [Immunity] Abstract Wnts Are Dispensable for Differentiation and Self-Renewal of Adult Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells The role of Wnts and their source in adult hematopoiesis is still unclear, and is clinically important as upstream Wnt inhibitors enter clinical trials. Scientists blocked Wnt secretion in hematopoietic lineages by targeting Porcn, a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase that is indispensable for the activity and secretion of all vertebrate Wnts. [Blood] Abstract Control of AC133/CD133 and Impact on Human Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells through Nucleolin Researchers dissected nucleolin-mediated activation of surface AC133 and its cognate gene CD133, via specific interaction of nucleolin with tissue-dependent CD133 promoter P1, as a mechanism that crucially contributes to AC133 expression in CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell. [Leukemia] Abstract Targeting Mitochondria with Avocatin B Induces Selective Leukemia Cell Death Through a high-throughput cell-based screen, scientists identified avocatin B, a lipid derived from avocado fruit, as a novel compound with cytotoxic activity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Avocatin B reduced human primary AML cell viability without effect on normal peripheral blood stem cells. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Press Release Distinct Sources of Hematopoietic Progenitors Emerge before HSCs and Provide Functional Blood Cells in the Mammalian Embryo The authors showed that the first murine definitive erythro-myeloid progenitors have an immunophenotype distinct from primitive hematopoietic progenitors, maturing megakaryocytes and macrophages, and rare B cell potential. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Transcriptional Regulator FUBP1 Is Essential for Fetal and Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal Scientists report the single-stranded DNA-binding transcriptional regulator far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) as an essential factor of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. Functional inactivation of FUBP1 in two different mouse models resulted in embryonic lethal anemia at around E15.5 caused by severely diminished HSCs. [Modern Pathol] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release The Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor LPA4 Regulates Hematopoiesis-Supporting Activity of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Researchers showed a novel regulatory role for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)4 in hematopoiesis. Lpar4mRNA was predominantly expressed in mouse bone marrow PDGFRα+ stromal cells, known as the components of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell niche. [Sci Rep] Full Article CLINICAL RESEARCH Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Adult Patients with AML and 11q23/MLL Rearrangement (MLL-R AML) The authors analyzed the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation among adult patients reported to the ALWP between 2000 and 2010. They identified 159 patients with 11q23/MLL rearranged acute myeloid leukemia allografted in first complete remission or CR2, mostly corresponding to t(9;11), t(11;19), t(6;11), and t(10;11) translocations. [Leukemia] Abstract Quantitative Characterization of T-Cell Repertoire in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Investigators comprehensively characterized the T-cell repertoire repertoire in patients who underwent matched donor or haplo-cord hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using next-generation sequencing approach. Their study defined the functional kinetics of each TCRA and TCRB clone, and changes in T-cell diversity and the extent of clonal expansion of certain T-cells. [Bone Marrow Transplant] Full Article Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (Allo-HSCT) Overcomes Poor Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Myelodysplasia-Related Changes (AML-MRC) Transplant outcomes of patients with AML-MRC have not been reported compared to patients with AML not otherwise specified (AML-NOS). Researchers analyzed transplant outcomes among 147 patients with AML-MRC or AML-NOS who underwent allo-HSCT in a single institution. [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract |