Nrf2 regulates haematopoietic stem cell function

Nat Cell Biol. 2013 Mar;15(3):309-16. doi: 10.1038/ncb2699. Epub 2013 Feb 24.

Abstract

Coordinating the balance between haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and self-renewal is crucial for maintaining haematopoiesis lifelong. Equally important for haematopoietic function is modulating HSC localization within the bone marrow niches, as maintenance of HSC function is tightly controlled by a complex network of intrinsic molecular mechanisms and extrinsic signalling interactions with their surrounding microenvironment. In this study we demonstrate that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2, or Nrf2), well established as a global regulator of the oxidative stress response, plays a regulatory role in several aspects of HSC homeostasis. Nrf2 deficiency results in an expansion of the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment due to cell-intrinsic hyperproliferation, which was accomplished at the expense of HSC quiescence and self-renewal. We further show that Nrf2 modulates both migration and retention of HSCs in their niche. Moreover, we identify a previously unrecognized link between Nrf2 and CXCR4, contributing, at least partially, to the maintenance of HSC function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Cell Communication*
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hematopoiesis / physiology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / physiology*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / genetics
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Luciferases