The role of hematopoietic stem cells in spleen
Spleen is considered to be a site for extramedullary hematopoiesis. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) which reside in the spleen are thought to contribute largely to erythropoiesis and myelopoiesis. However, the exact lineage output of this process is unknown. Using HSC transplantation models, we are investigating spleen-specific hematopoiesis under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. As discrete subsets of myeloid immune cells carry specific functions, examining the precise cell types which undergo local spleen hematopoiesis will give us a better insight into the immunological role of HSC in spleen, and how this can be augmented for specific disease states. This research further impacts the treatment of blood disorders by HSC transplantation, as spleen is often actively hematopoietic and a site for donor HSC lodging and engraftment.
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Researchers: Jonathan Tan, Helen O'Neill, Christie Short, Jackie Kaden, Don Lim