Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Identification, Classification, and Differentiation

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), identified as pericytes comprising the hematopoietic niche, are a group of heterogeneous cells composed of multipotent stem cells, including osteochondral and adipocyte progenitors. Nevertheless, the identification and classification are still controversial, which limits their application. In recent years, by lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing, several new subgroups of BMSCs and their roles in normal physiological and pathological conditions have been clarified. Key regulators and mechanisms controlling the fate of BMSCs are being revealed. Cross-talk among subgroups of bone marrow mesenchymal cells has been demonstrated. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the identification and classification of BMSCs, which provides important implications for clinical applications.

Engraftment, fate, and function of HoxB8-conditional neutrophil progenitors in the unconditioned murine host

The development and use of murine myeloid progenitor cell lines that are conditionally immortalized through expression of HoxB8 has provided a valuable tool for studies of neutrophil biology. Recent work has extended the utility of HoxB8-conditional progenitors to the in vivo setting via their transplantation into irradiated mice. Here, we describe the isolation of HoxB8-conditional progenitor cell lines that are unique in their ability to engraft in the naïve host in the absence of conditioning of the hematopoietic niche. Our results indicate that HoxB8-conditional progenitors engraft in a β1 integrin-dependent manner and transiently generate donor-derived mature neutrophils. Furthermore, we show that neutrophils derived in vivo from transplanted HoxB8-conditional progenitors are mobilized to the periphery and recruited to sites of inflammation in a manner that depends on the C-X-C chemokine receptor 2 and β2 integrins, the same mechanisms that have been described for recruitment of endogenous primary neutrophils. Together, our studies advance the understanding of HoxB8-conditional neutrophil progenitors and describe an innovative tool that, by virtue of its ability to engraft in the naïve host, will facilitate mechanistic in vivo experimentation on neutrophils.

Deciphering Tumor Niches: Lessons From Solid and Hematological Malignancies

Knowledge about the hematopoietic niche has evolved considerably in recent years, in particular through in vitro analyzes, mouse models and the use of xenografts. Its complexity in the human bone marrow, in particular in a context of hematological malignancy, is more difficult to decipher by these strategies and could benefit from the knowledge acquired on the niches of solid tumors. Indeed, some common features can be suspected, since the bone marrow is a frequent site of solid tumor metastases. Recent research on solid tumors has provided very interesting information on the interactions between tumoral cells and their microenvironment, composed notably of mesenchymal, endothelial and immune cells. This review thus focuses on recent discoveries on tumor niches that could help in understanding hematopoietic niches, with special attention to 4 particular points: i) the heterogeneity of carcinoma/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), ii) niche cytokines and chemokines, iii) the energy/oxidative metabolism and communication, especially mitochondrial transfer, and iv) the vascular niche through angiogenesis and endothelial plasticity. This review highlights actors and/or pathways of the microenvironment broadly involved in cancer processes. This opens avenues for innovative therapeutic opportunities targeting not only cancer stem cells but also their regulatory tumor niche(s), in order to improve current antitumor therapies.

TGF-β Signaling in Stromal Cells Contributes to Myelofibrosis, but Not Niche Disruption, in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are associated with significant alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment that contribute to disease pathogenesis. The most striking alteration is the development of myelofibrosis, which is characterized by extensive collagen deposition in the bone marrow and is associated with a poor prognosis. Recent evidence suggests that expression of key niche factors, including CXCL12 (stromal derived factor-1, SDF-1) and Kit ligand are reduced in MPNs. This is relevant, since studies by our group and others have shown that deleting these niche factors from stromal cells results in a shift in hematopoiesis from the bone marrow to spleen. Indeed, a prominent feature of MPN is the development of splenomegaly and extramedullary hematopoiesis. There is evidence implicating inflammatory mediators in the development of myelofibrosis. In particular, increased production of TGF-β produced by megakaryocytes and monocytes is found in most patients with MPNs. To assess the role of TGF-β signaling in mesenchymal stromal cells in the bone marrow in the development of myelofibrosis, we generated Osx-Cre; Tgfbr2 f/- mice, in which TGF-β signaling is abrogated in all bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (including Lepr + stromal cells), but not endothelial cells or hematopoietic cells. We transplanted MPL W515L transduced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or JAK2 V617F bone marrow into these mice and quantified myelofibrosis using reticulin staining and Collagen 1 and 3 immunostaining. We previously reported that deletion of TGF-β signaling in mesenchymal stromal cells in these mice abrogated the development of myelofibrosis, and we presented evidence that this was mediated by non-canonical JNK-dependent TGF-β signaling. Here, we describe the impact of stromal TGF-β signaling on the bone marrow hematopoietic niche in MPN. MPL W515L transduced HSPCs were transplanted into Osx-Cre; Tgfbr2 f/- mice, and the impact on hematopoietic niche disruption and development of extramedullary hematopoiesis was assessed. In control recipients, transplantation of MPL W515L HSPCs resulted in marked decreases in bone marrow Cxcl12 and Kit ligand expression (Figure 1A-B). Surprisingly, a similar decrease was observed in Osx-Cre; Tgfbr2 f/- recipients. The loss of these key niche factors is predicted to impair hematopoietic niche function in the bone marrow. Consistent with this prediction, total bone marrow cellularity and HSC number were significantly reduced in both control and Osx-Cre; Tgfbr2 f/- recipients (Figure 1C-D). Finally, disruption of the bone marrow niche is often associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis. Indeed, a significant increase in spleen size and spleen HSCs and erythroid progenitors was observed in control recipients (Figure 1E-G). Again, a similar phenotype was observed in Osx-Cre; Tgfbr2 f/- recipients. Collectively, these data show that TGF-β signaling in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells is required for the development of myelofibrosis but not hematopoietic niche disruption in MPNs. Thus, these data show for the first time that the signals that induce a fibrogenic program in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells are distinct from those that suppress Cxcl12 and Kit ligand expression. Our data show that the fibrogenic program is dependent on non-canonical JNK-dependent TGF-β signaling, while the signals that regulate niche factor expression remain unknown. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Analysis of Hematopoietic Niche Components Post Allogeneic Transplantation

Timely and effective reconstitution of the hematopoietic niche is imperative post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) for prevention of life-threatening opportunistic infections and relapses. Efficient engraftment is dependent on the ability of donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to expand and provide long-term multi-lineage progenitors in the recipient. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are essential in providing a conducive environment for HSC reconstitution and maintenance. Conditioning chemotherapy with or without total body irradiation is required to confer a competitive advantage to donor HSCs. However, myeloablative conditioning (MA) regimens also destroy the specialized stromal niches which support HSC self-renewal and maintenance (Acar et al., 2015), providing a plausible explanation for the long term cytopenias observed post allogeneic transplantation (Domenech et al., 1995). Previous studies in humans showed CD146-expressing stromal cells support the establishment of the hematopoietic cell microenvironment (Sacchetti et al., 2007). Expression of markers of stromal/progenitor cells (CD146, CD31 and CD34) was evaluated pre and post alloHCT at day 30 in bone marrow biopsies obtained from patients treated with either MA or reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) approaches. CD146 and CD31 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bone marrow core biopsies. Whole slide imaging (Aperio) was used to digitize the histology and positive cells were scored using image analysis software (strong positive pixel count; ST PPC). In bone marrow, CD146 is expressed on vascular endothelial cells, pericytes on sinusoids, adipose and bone marrow stromal cells. CD31 positive cells include vascular endothelial cells, sinusoidal cells, megakaryocytes, and myeloid cells (Fig. 1). The percent of CD34 positive stem cells was determined by flow cytometry in concurrent bone marrow aspirate cells. The indications for an alloHCT were AML (5/10), ALL (2/10) or MDS (3/10). Median age was 62 (59-69) years in the RIC group and 34 (25-46) years in the MA group. Average HCT CI score was higher in the RIC group (2.5 versus 1.2) (Table 1). 3/10 patients received total body irradiation (TBI) based conditioning. All patients received peripheral blood stem cell alloHCT and 7/10 were MUDs. Chronic GVHD was present (grade 2 or 3) in 3/10 patients in the RIC groups and 1 patient (grade 1) in the MA cohort. Chimerism studies showed optimum engraftment of donor cells in 2 patients in the RIC group and 1 patient in the MA (Table 1). On average, pretransplant bone marrow cellularity was lower in the RIC group. The average overall cellularity on D30 was similar in the two groups (Fig.2). The average percent of CD34 positive cells was similar pretransplant and lower at D30 in the RIC cohort compared to the MA group (0.96% CD34 pre alloHCT versus 0.30% D30 post alloHCT RIC; pre alloHCT 0.96% CD34 versus D30 post alloHCT 0.92% MA). The mean number of CD31 positive cells was higher in the RIC group compared to the MA cohort both pre-transplant and at D30 (Fig 3). On average, an increase in CD146 positive cells on D30 was noted in the alloHCT RIC group compared to the MA cohort (Fig. 4). In conclusion, the RIC cohort showed a pre-post-transplant increase in average overall bone marrow cellularity, more numerous CD31 and CD146 positive cells on average and an increase in CD146 positive cells at D30 post alloHCT compared to the MA group. Despite the modest number of patients, this is the first study to date comparing pre and post alloHCT niche components which may provide important insights in the reconstitution process and impact of conditioning. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

JAK2V617F Mutant Megakaryocytes Contribute to Hematopoietic Aging in a Murine Model of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

Introduction Recent studies implicated megakaryocytes (MKs) in regulating hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. Abnormal MK hyperplasia is a hallmark feature of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). In the present study, we investigated the effects of JAK2V617F-bearing MKs on HSC aging in a murine model of MPN during a 2-yr follow up. Methods JAK2V617F Flip-Flop (FF1) mice (which carry a Cre-inducible human JAK2V617F gene driven by the human JAK2 promoter) and Pf4-Cre mice (which express Cre under the promoter of platelet factor 4, a MK-specific gene) were crossed to generate MK lineage-specific human JAK2V617F transgenic mouse line (Pf4 +FF1 +). Results During aging, the Pf4 +FF1 +mice maintained an essential thrombocythemia phenotype with no evidence of transformation to leukemia or myelofibrosis (Figure 1). Myeloid-biased HSCs (Lin -cKit +Sca1 +CD150 +CD48 -CD41 +) were significantly expanded in 1yr old and 2yr old Pf4 +FF1 +mice compared to age-matched control mice, while no difference in myeloid-biased HSC numbers was detected between young (6mo) Pf4 +FF1 +mice and control mice. Competitive repopulation assays and serial transplantation assays showed that HSCs from old Pf4 +FF1 +mice had a reduced engraftment and self-renewal capacity with a skewed differentiation towards the myeloid lineage. Results from the serial transplantation experiments also indicated that the functional decline of HSCs in aged Pf4 +FF1 +mice were HSC-intrinsic and was not reversible. Both cell cycle analysis by Hoechst33342 and Pyronin Y staining and cell proliferation analysis by in vivo BrdU labeling revealed that the JAK2V617F mutant MK niche can promote hematopoietic aging in old Pf4 +FF1 +mice by increasing HSC proliferation/cycling. Taken together, the Pf4 +FF1 +mice demonstrated several hallmarks of accelerated HSC aging.(Figure 2) Next, we examined the hematopoietic microenvironment in the old Pf4 +FF1 + mice. Using whole-mount immunofluorescent staining and confocal imaging, we found that the cKit +HSPCs were located further from MKs in old Pf4 +FF1 +mice compared to old control mice. We also found that CD45 -CD31 +Sca1 - sinusoidal marrow endothelial cell (EC) number (by flow cytometry analysis) and marrow vascular area (by in vivo VE-cadherin staining) were significantly decreased in aged Pf4 +FF1 +mice compared to control mice. Tube formation assays confirmed that conditioned medium from old Pf4 +FF1 +MK culture significantly inhibited EC angiogenesis in vitro. These findings suggest that the JAK2V617F mutant MK niche not only altered its own interaction with HSCs during aging, but also suppressed the vascular niche function to promote HSC aging. (Figure 3) To further understand the mechanisms by which JAK2V617F mutant MKs promote HSC aging, we performed both RNA sequencing and targeted cytokine arrays of wild-type and JAK2V617F mutant MKs from both young (6mo) and old (2yr) Pf4-cre control and Pf4 +FF1 +mice. We found that HSC aging had a profound effect on MK transcriptomic profiles and dysregulated pathways in cell adhesion molecules, MAPK signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, hematopoietic cell lineage, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction were highly upregulated in old JAK2V617F mutant MKs compared to young JAK2V617F mutant MKs. FAS ligand, IL-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, IL-10, IL-6, MIG, macrophage inflammatory protein 1a, GCSF, IL-5, MIP-1g were produced in increased amounts in old mutant MKs compared to old wild-type MKs. Many of these factors are involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and hematopoiesis regulation. Sensitive PCR assays confirmed that human JAK2 gene was expressed in MKs but not in HSCs in 2yr old Pf4 +FF1 +mice. In vitro co-culture and in vivo co-transplantation assays provided further evidence that the JAK2V617F mutant MKs affected wild-type HSC function directly. Therefore, the hematopoietic aging phenotype we have observed was not caused by any direct effect of the JAK2V617F mutation on HSC function because the Pf4 promoter was 'leaky'. Conclusions Results from this study support that, as a hematopoietic niche cell, MKs represent an important connection between the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms for HSC aging in MPNs -- the JAK2V617F-bearing MKs can alter the hematopoietic niche to accelerate HSC aging, and HSC aging in turn can profoundly remodel the niche e.g. by affecting MK transcriptomics. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

New insights into neuropeptides regulation of immune system and hemopoiesis: effects on hematologic malignancies

: Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were reported to join to or to cooperate with different cells of the immune system, bone marrow, and peripheral cells and numerous data support that neuroactive molecules might control immune system activity and hemopoiesis operating on lymphoid organs, and the primary hematopoietic unit, the hematopoietic niche. Furthermore, many compounds seem to be able to take part to the leukemogenesis and lymphomagenesis process, and in the onset of multiple myeloma. In this review, we will assess the possibility that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may have a role in the onset of haematological neoplasms, may affect the response to treatment or may represent a useful starting point for a new therapeutic approach. More in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate neuropeptide’s role in haematological malignancies and the possible utilization as an antitumor therapeutic target. Comprehending the effect of the pharmacological administration of neuropeptide modulators on hematologic malignancies opens up new possibilities in curing clonal hematologic diseases to achieve more satisfactory outcomes.

JAK2V617F mutant megakaryocytes contribute to hematopoietic aging in a murine model of myeloproliferative neoplasm

Megakaryocytes (MKs) is an important component of the hematopoietic niche. Abnormal MK hyperplasia is a hallmark feature of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The JAK2V617F mutation is present in hematopoietic cells in a majority of patients with MPNs. Using a murine model of MPN in which the human JAK2V617F gene is expressed specifically in the MK lineage, we show that the JAK2V617F-bearing MKs promote hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging, manifesting as myeloid-skewed hematopoiesis with an expansion of CD41+ HSCs, a reduced engraftment and self-renewal capacity, and a reduced differentiation capacity. HSCs from 2yr old mice with JAK2V617F-bearing MKs were more proliferative and less quiescent than HSCs from age-matched control mice. Examination of the marrow hematopoietic niche reveals that the JAK2V617F-bearing MKs not only have decreased direct interactions with hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells during aging, but also suppress the vascular niche function during aging. Unbiased RNA expression profiling reveals that HSC aging has a profound effect on MK transcriptomic profiles, while targeted cytokine array shows that the JAK2V617F-bearing MKs can alter the hematopoietic niche through increased levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic factors. Therefore, as a hematopoietic niche cell, MKs represent an important connection between the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms for HSC aging.