Quantitative imaging of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell localization and hypoxic status in the bone marrow microenvironment

Nat Cell Biol. 2013 May;15(5):533-43. doi: 10.1038/ncb2730. Epub 2013 Apr 28.

Abstract

The existence of a haematopoietic stem cell niche as a spatially confined regulatory entity relies on the notion that haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are strategically positioned in unique bone marrow microenvironments with defined anatomical and functional features. Here, we employ a powerful imaging cytometry platform to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of HSPC distribution in bone marrow cavities of femoral bones. We find that HSPCs preferentially localize in endosteal zones, where most closely interact with sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal bone marrow microvessels, which form a distinctive circulatory system. In situ tissue analysis reveals that HSPCs exhibit a hypoxic profile, defined by strong retention of pimonidazole and expression of HIF-1α, regardless of localization throughout the bone marrow, adjacency to vascular structures or cell-cycle status. These studies argue that the characteristic hypoxic state of HSPCs is not solely the result of a minimally oxygenated niche but may be partially regulated by cell-specific mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow / blood supply
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Hypoxia
  • Cellular Microenvironment*
  • Colony-Forming Units Assay
  • Femur / cytology
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nitroimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Stem Cell Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Hif1a protein, mouse
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Mki67 protein, mouse
  • Nitroimidazoles
  • Stem Cell Factor
  • pimonidazole