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Nature 452, 416-417 (27 March 2008) | doi:10.1038/452416a; Published online 26 March 2008

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Circadian rhythms: Stem cells traffic in time

David T. Scadden1

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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.

All tissue-specific stem cells move around during embryonic development. But mammalian haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are precursors to all blood cell types, continue to migrate via the bloodstream throughout adulthood.

  1. David T. Scadden is at the Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
    Email: dscadden@mgh.harvard.edu

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