Biology of the bone marrow microenvironment and myelodysplastic syndromes

Mol Genet Metab. 2015 Sep-Oct;116(1-2):24-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.07.004. Epub 2015 Jul 20.

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by cytopenias resulting from ineffective hematopoiesis with a predisposition to transform to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recent evidence suggests that the hematopoietic stem cell microenvironment contributes to the pathogenesis of MDS. Inflammation and hypoxia within the bone marrow are key regulators of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that can lead to several bone marrow failure syndromes, including MDS. In this brief review, we provide an overview of the clinical and molecular features of MDS, the bone marrow microenvironment, and specific pathways that lead to abnormal blood cell development in MDS. Characterization of key steps in the pathogenesis of MDS will lead to new approaches to treat patients with this disease.

Keywords: Bone marrow microenvironment; Hypoxia; Inflammation; Myelodysplastic syndromes; Ribosomal deficiency; Signaling pathways.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism*
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Cellular Microenvironment*
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / metabolism*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / pathology*