A theory on the differentiation of bone-marrow stem cells.
Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells is viewed in parallel with maturation of lymphoid cells. Both processes share many features each occurring within a reticular framework with its component RE cells. RE cells are seen as providing control over stem cell differentiation in marrow thus minimizing stem cell competition by concentrating differentiation stimuli of a particular kind. The differentiation molecules are considered to be histocompatibility and tissue specific antigen components derived from aging or activated mature blood cells. They are probably low molecular weight glycoproteins. Evidence that histocompatibility antigens are of importance in cellular differentiation is presented. The hypothesis presupposes positive feedback mechanisms to bone-marrow with threshold responses being determined by RE cells.
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005246:Feedback; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008196:Lymph / Q000502:physiology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000166:cytology
D006680:HLA Antigens; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens