Journal Facts

Journal
BoneKEy Knowledge Environment
ISSN
1533-4368
Volume
3
Year
2006

Article Facts

Title
The stem cell niche and bone metastasis
DOI
10.1138/20060211
Authors

Gordon J Strewler

Online Date
05/00/2006

Article Links

BoneKEy-Osteovision | Perspective

The stem cell niche and bone metastasis

Gordon J Strewler


DOI:10.1138/20060211

Abstract

The hematopoietic stem cell niche has been defined as a microenvironment in bone that supports the stem cell, controls decisions between quiescence and proliferation of stem cells, and provides a mechanism for the self-renewal of stem cells. It is likely that at least two hematopoietic stem cell niches exist in bone: an endosteal niche, in which hematopoietic stem cells are adherent to osteoblasts, and an endothelial niche. Like self-renewing adult tissues, tumors may also be maintained by stem cells. It is likely that a tumor stem cell niche also exists in bone and shares many of the characteristics of the hematopoietic stem cell niche. The principal determinants of bone metastasis may be factors in this microenvironment that control the entry of tumor cells into the niche, permit long-term quiescence of tumor stem cells within the niche and induce their eventual awakening.

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