Cell-cell interaction

Cell-cell interaction in the context of stem cell niches

In the bone marrow, HSC interact with a specific microenvironment regulating its fate in term of self renewal and differentiation. An essential component of this microenvironment are MSC. In recent years it became clear that cell-cell contact mediated communication between MSC and HSC is important for homeostasis of hematopoiesis. We have established an in vitro MSC / HSC co-culture system where MSC serves as a feeder layer to support HSC expansion. We are mainly focused on the characterization of this interaction and how HSCs respond to environmental changes.