Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefan Nagel
Summary: Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that control basic developmental processes, with their homeodomain mediating sequence-specific DNA binding and interaction with cofactors. NKL homeobox genes play a key role in normal hematopoiesis, but their deregulation can contribute to carcinogenesis. Aberrant expression of NKL-code members in lymphoid and myeloid leukemia/lymphoma highlights their oncogenic impact in the hematopoietic compartment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefan Nagel, Claudia Pommerenke, Corinna Meyer, Hans G. Drexler
Summary: In this study, the authors mapped the expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes in human myelopoiesis and progenitor-derived DCs. They found that VENTX is expressed in cDCs but not in pDCs, and identified potential regulators of VENTX. Through various analyses and experiments, they demonstrated the involvement of VENTX in a cDC-specific gene regulatory network that operates in DC differentiation and function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Francesco Tamiro, Andrew P. Weng, Vincenzo Giambra
Summary: Leukemia-initiating cells (LIC) are unique cells in different types of leukemia that have self-renewing capabilities and produce tumors, which are functionally distinct from bulk leukemia cells. Current conventional treatments are not effective in eliminating LICs, hence innovative therapeutics targeting LICs hold promise for developing an effective cure for ALL.
Review
Oncology
Xinjie Xu, Sifei Chen, Zijing Zhao, Xinyi Xiao, Shengkang Huang, Zhaochang Huo, Yuhua Li, Sanfang Tu
Summary: This study systematically evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of consolidative HSCT after CD19 CAR-T therapy with non-HSCT in the treatment of ALL. The results showed that consolidative HSCT after CD19 CAR-T therapy could prolong OS and LFS and reduce the risk of relapse, with acceptable incidence rates for adverse events. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further determine the efficacy of HSCT.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Erica Bresciani, Blake Carrington, Kai Yu, Erika M. Kim, Tao Zhen, Victoria Sanchez Guzman, Elizabeth Broadbridge, Kevin Bishop, Martha Kirby, Ursula Harper, Stephen Wincovitch, Stefania Dell'Orso, Vittorio Sartorelli, Raman Sood, Paul Liu
Summary: In the absence of functional runx1, a population of hematopoietic precursors still emerge, suggesting a compensatory mechanism for runx1-independent hematopoiesis. Gata2, acting upstream of runxl for HSC production, was upregulated in the absence of runx1, but genetic inactivation of both gata2b and gata2a did not affect hematopoiesis, indicating redundant roles for HSC production.
Article
Biology
Zhiqiang Wang, Chunxiao Zhang, Charles David Warden, Zheng Liu, Yate-Ching Yuan, Chao Guo, Charles Wang, Jinhui Wang, Xiwei Wu, Richard Ermel, Steven L. Vonderfecht, Xiuli Wang, Christine Brown, Stephen Forman, Yaling Yang, M. James You, WenYong Chen
Summary: SIRT1 plays an unexpected role in promoting aging of HSCs and age-dependent MPAL. Knockout of Sirt1 improves the function of aging HSCs and suppresses the development of MPAL.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Antonio Maglitto, Samanta A. Mariani, Emma de Pater, Carmen Rodriguez-Seoane, Chris S. Vink, Xianhua Piao, Mari-Liis Lukke, Elaine Dzierzak
Summary: Studies have revealed the role of Gpr56 in stem cell generation and differentiation, with its knockout leading to bias towards myeloid differentiation in mouse embryo HSCs, and an increased definitive myeloid progenitor cell frequency in Gpr56(KO) ESC cultures. Furthermore, mouse Gpr97 is able to rescue Gpr56 deficiency in hematopoietic generation in zebrafish.
Review
Immunology
Carsten Riether
Summary: Adult bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain their function through interactions with regulatory T cells (Tregs). In leukemia, these regulatory mechanisms are disrupted, leading to compromised treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Anna Cazzola, Giovanni Cazzaniga, Andrea Biondi, Raffaella Meneveri, Silvia Brunelli, Emanuele Azzoni
Summary: Childhood leukemia, the most common cancer in young age, may originate during in utero development. Research on the cellular origin of leukemias is crucial for understanding disease progression, refining animal models, and developing new therapeutic approaches.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Isabel Martinez-Romera, Victor Galan-Gomez, Berta Gonzalez-Martinez, Pilar Guerra Garcia, Sonsoles San Roman Pacheco, Dolores Corral Sanchez, Yasmina Mozo del Castillo, David Bueno Sanchez, Luisa Sisinni, Alba Gonzalez Guerrero, Serafin Castellano Damaso, Elena Sanchez Zapardiel, Beatriz Ruz Caracuel, Antonio Balas Perez, Antonio Perez-Martinez
Summary: The treatment targeting CD19 has achieved breakthroughs in managing and treating relapsed and refractory B-ALL. Continuous lineage chimerism analysis is suggested for patients who received anti-CD19 CAR-T cells after HSCT and achieved complete remission.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Chuanxiang Zhao, Guoying Xu, Xiaoxian Zhang, Yunfeng Ye, Weili Cai, Qixiang Shao
Summary: This review introduces the process and regulatory mechanisms of m(6)A modification and its role in controlling HSC generation, differentiation, and the development of immune cells. The evidence suggests that m(6)A modification is a crucial immune system regulator.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xin-Yu Li, Xia-Wei Han, Ke Huang, Ya-Ting Zhang, Hong-Gui Xu, Dun-Hua Zhou, Lu-Hong Xu, Jian-Pei Fang
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Chidamide in combination with chemotherapy or post-HSCT for children with T-ALL. The results showed that Chidamide demonstrated promising clinical efficacy and good safety in children with T-ALL.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geoffrey Brown
Summary: The hematopoietic cell system is a complex ecosystem that can meet the needs of mature blood cells in both steady-state and emergency situations. It is highly integrated and social, adapting to different demands by generating cells biased towards specific lineages. Leukemia stem cells disrupt the cell hierarchy, being restricted to one lineage and able to alter the bone marrow stromal niches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Suzana Tesanovic, Peter W. Krenn, Fritz Aberger
Summary: Despite advances in understanding the genetic alterations and biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the translation into clinical treatment approaches is still in its early stages. A major challenge in AML therapy is the high relapse rates, largely due to the presence of treatment-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs). The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway has emerged as a therapeutic target in AML, as it plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer stem cell driven tumors.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kai-Xun Hu, Mei Guo, Chang-Lin Yu, Jian-Hui Qiao, Qi-Yun Sun, Bo Cai, Xing-Rong Zhan, Xu-Liang Shen, Chuan-Bao Fan, Hui-Sheng Ai, Yi Wang
Summary: In the era of molecular targeted drugs, elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain difficult to treat. The microtransplant treatment regimen (MST) combines chemotherapy with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell infusion and aims to improve survival by enhancing immune function. A retrospective analysis of 111 elderly AML patients showed that MST had a high complete remission rate, improved overall survival, and enhanced immune function compared to chemotherapy alone.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)