HSC development and location of Hoxb5 positive cells during gastrulation and early organogenesis in the fetal liver

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have the ability to self-renew and are responsible for the production of all blood and immune cells. These properties of the cells are used in clinical applications for treating malignant and non-malignant diseases with well-established HSC transplants. HSCs are today in short supply. To produce HSCs in vitro, a deeper knowledge of the development of HSCs is needed. The aim of this study was to interrogate HSC development during embryogenesis. Hoxb5, the long term adult HSC marker was studied in the context of HSC development. Cells expressing Hoxb5 were isolated by multiparameter fluorescent antibody cell sorting. Hoxb5 was also localized in resident tissues by innovative staining and microscopy techniques. The understanding of the developmental niche of phenotypic HSCs expressing Hoxb5 will provide important functional information, which will facilitate in vitro generation of HSCs.