Bloodlines of haematopoietic stem cell research in Japan.
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can supply all blood cells throughout the adult life of individuals. Based on this property, HSCs have been used for bone marrow and cord blood transplantation. Among various stem cells, HSCs were recognized earliest and were studied most extensively, providing a model for other stem cells. Knowledge of HSC regulation has rapidly accumulated of late. Contributions of scientists in Japan to progress HSC biology are here briefly overviewed. Focusing on the original work accomplished in Japan in the last two decades, people who have led such activities are introduced and their relationships with one another are sketched.
Ema
Hideo
H
Laboratory of Stem Cell Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
Nakauchi
Hiromitsu
H
D003585:Cell Biology / Q000266:history*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D007564:Japan; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology