Applied physiology: haemopoiesis

Abstract 

The advances in methodology that facilitated analysis of defined populations of stem and progenitor cells and the detection of growth factors and their purification in recombinant form, have also allowed us to formulate sharp definitions of discrete steps concerning the regulation of blood cell production. Progress is being made in our understanding of cell differentiation and the molecular steps involved in its regulation. We now have the ability to isolate and, to a certain extent, manipulate stem cells either biologically or genetically. This, together with our new glimpse into the potential of cells present in the bone marrow capable of trans-tissue differentiation, defines the beginning of an exciting phase in which knowledge of the haemopoietic system might be translated into new clinical applications, not only in haematology but also in a variety of other disciplines.

Keywords: haemopoiesis, stem cells, progenitor cells, growth factors

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• f1 Correspondence to: EAdW. Tel.: +44 (0)113 206 5627; Fax: +44 (0)113 244 4475; E-mail: medeadw@leeds.ac.uk