Beyond "to divide or not to divide": Kinetics matters in hematopoietic stem cells

Abstract

Lifelong blood production is ensured by a population of rare and largely quiescent, long-lived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The advent of single-cell technologies has recently highlighted underlying molecular and functional heterogeneity within the HSC pool. Despite heterogenous HSC behaviors, quiescence remains as the most uncontroversial and unifying property of HSCs. Nonetheless, a multifaceted and complex continuum of states has recently been identified within what was previously described as just "quiescent." Here we review such evidence and discuss how it challenges preconceived ideas on the contribution of cell cycle kinetics to HSC function. Specifically, we detail how both the frequency and kinetics of HSC division, largely determined by a network of molecular regulators linked to early G₁, influence long-term HSC functionin vivo. In addition, we present data that indicate lengthening the duration of G₁ by inhibiting CDK6 decreases lymphoid differentiation of a subset of lymphoid-primed human HSCs, thus linking cell cycle kinetics to cell fate decisions in HSCs. Finally, we reflect on how these new insights can be helpful to fully harness HSC potential in clinical applications that require ex vivo culture.