Plasticity of supporting cells in a stem cell factory.
In this issue of Immunity, Omatsu et al. (2010) provide new information on the CXCL12 abundant reticular (CAR) cells that support hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors in bone marrow. CAR cells can convert to adipocytes and osteoblasts, additional cells known to regulate hematopoiesis.
Kincade
Paul W
PW
Immunobiology and Cancer Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5097, USA.