The Bone Marrow Vascular Niche: Home of HSC Differentiation and Mobilization

The bone marrow vasuclar niche consists of a network of thin-walled and fenestrated sinusoidal vessels whose integrity is maintained and supported by surrounding hematopoietic cells. However, this dependence is highly reciprocal in that the bone marrow vasculature provides not only a conduit for mature hematopoietic cells to the peripheral circulation but also a site where hematopoietic progenitors, especially megakaryocytes, differentiate and set the stage for full reconstitution of hematopoiesis.