APPLICATIONS OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM-CELLS AND GENE-TRANSFER

Objective: In this review, the hematopoietic stem cell is defined and the change of this definition over the past decades is elucidated. Bes ides we discuss how the applications of stem cell transplantation have changed in the same period of time. In addition to the biology of hem atopoietic stem cells, the most recent applications in gene transfer a nd gene therapy will be discussed. Data Sources: Review of the literat ure and results of studies performed at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Res earch Center in Seattle, USA. Selection Criteria: Peer review journals and papers relevant to the topic. Results: Based on the initial radia tion experiments in mice, the hematopoietic stem cell was defined by i ts biological properties and later by the expression of certain surfac e antigens, as well as the absence of lineage-specific markers. Quite recently, more and more evidence has emerged that hematopoietic stem c ells can be isolated from peripheral blood and that there might be a c ommon progenitor of hematopoiesis and the marrow microenvironment. Hem atopoietic stem cells are also a useful aid for gene therapy in a broa der range of immunodeficiencies and metabolic disorders. Conclusions: Peripheral blood stem cells transplantation and gene therapy will be u seful tools to treat a broader spectrum of diseases using uncommitted very early progenitor cells isolated from peripheral blood.