Editor's Summary
27 March 2008
Stem cells got rhythm
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) circulate in the blood, where they can home to sites throughout the body. The release of these cells into the blood stream has now been found to be regulated by circadian rhythms. In mice, HSCs undergo pronounced fluctuations corresponding to circadian oscillations induced by continuous light or by a 12-hour time-shift or 'jet lag'. Timing of the expression of the chemokine CXCL12 in the stem cell niche was also in step with the oscillations in response to adrenergic signals delivered locally by nerves in the bone marrow. The rhythmic release of stem cells into the blood during the animal's resting period suggests a possible role in regeneration.
News and Views: Circadian rhythms: Stem cells traffic in time
Circadian activity in the brain regulates the movement of blood stem cells into and out of the bone marrow. Perhaps this process is testing the suitability of these cell 'tenants' for their new home — the remodelling bone.
David T. Scadden
doi:10.1038/452416a
Article: Haematopoietic stem cell release is regulated by circadian oscillations
Simón Méndez-Ferrer, Daniel Lucas, Michela Battista & Paul S. Frenette
doi:10.1038/nature06685
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (690K) | Supplementary information