Self-renewal of hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells: a central role for the Polycomb-group gene Bmi-1.
Self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells is vital for the sustained daily production of blood cells. Two recent studies have shown that the Polycomb-group gene Bmi-1 is indispensable for regulation of self-renewal by normal and leukemic stem cells. This identifies Polycomb-group genes as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in leukemia, and possibly other forms of cancer.
Raaphorst
Frank M
FM
Department of Pathology, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. fm.raaphorst@vumc.nl
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D019070:Cell Lineage; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D063150:Polycomb Repressive Complex 1; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D012097:Repressor Proteins
C069077:BMI1 protein, human; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D063150:Polycomb Repressive Complex 1