Title:Alterations within the Osteo-Hematopoietic Niche in MDS and their Therapeutic Implications
Volume: 22
Issue: 16
Author(s): Anna Mies, Ekaterina Bulycheva, Inga Mandac Rogulj, Lorenz C. Hofbauer and Uwe- Platzbecker
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Osteo-hematopoietic niche, MDS, bone marrow, HSPC, MSPC, TGF-β, signaling.
Abstract: Hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells are organized in the osteo-hematopoietic
niche, a complex microenvironment ensuring self-renewal and differentiation. Perturbations of the niche architecture,
the mutual cellular interactions and signaling pathways disrupt tissue homeostasis resulting in cytopenia and
malignant diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), supporting the concept of niche-induced oncogenesis.
Analyzing the available treatment options for patients harboring MDS, it becomes evident that many of them specifically modify components
of the stem cell niche. Hereby especially compounds inhibiting the TGF-β superfamily seem to represent a promising novel approach
for patients with anemia as a result of ineffective erythropoiesis. Moreover, apart from affecting tumorigenesis, these drugs appear
to influence bone structure and function as well as hematopoiesis in elderly MDS patients with a disturbed microarchitecture of the bone
marrow.
In the present review we will dissect the contribution of components of the stem cell niche for the pathogenesis of MDS and discuss current
therapeutic strategies targeting components of the niche, focusing on the modulation of TGF-β signaling.