Nrf2 regulates haematopoietic stem cell function

JJ Tsai, JA Dudakov, K Takahashi, JH Shieh… - Nature cell …, 2013 - nature.com
JJ Tsai, JA Dudakov, K Takahashi, JH Shieh, E Velardi, AM Holland, NV Singer, ML West…
Nature cell biology, 2013nature.com
Coordinating the balance between haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and self-
renewal is crucial for maintaining haematopoiesis lifelong. Equally important for
haematopoietic function is modulating HSC localization within the bone marrow niches, as
maintenance of HSC function is tightly controlled by a complex network of intrinsic molecular
mechanisms and extrinsic signalling interactions with their surrounding microenvironment.
In this study we demonstrate that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2, or Nrf2) …
Abstract
Coordinating the balance between haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and self-renewal is crucial for maintaining haematopoiesis lifelong. Equally important for haematopoietic function is modulating HSC localization within the bone marrow niches, as maintenance of HSC function is tightly controlled by a complex network of intrinsic molecular mechanisms and extrinsic signalling interactions with their surrounding microenvironment. In this study we demonstrate that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2, or Nrf2), well established as a global regulator of the oxidative stress response, plays a regulatory role in several aspects of HSC homeostasis. Nrf2 deficiency results in an expansion of the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment due to cell-intrinsic hyperproliferation, which was accomplished at the expense of HSC quiescence and self-renewal. We further show that Nrf2 modulates both migration and retention of HSCs in their niche. Moreover, we identify a previously unrecognized link between Nrf2 and CXCR4, contributing, at least partially, to the maintenance of HSC function.
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