Transforming growth factor-beta: pleiotropic role in the regulation of hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis is a remarkable cell-renewal process that leads to the contin uous generation of large numbers of multiple mature cell types, starting fr om a relatively small stem cell compartment. A highly complex but efficient regulatory network is necessary to tightly control this production and to maintain the hematopoietic tissue in homeostasis. During the last 3 decades , constantly growing numbers of molecules involved in this regulation have been identified. They include soluble cytokines and growth factors, cell-ce ll interaction molecules, and extracellular matrix components, which provid e a multifunctional scaffolding specific for each tissue. The cloning of nu merous growth factors and their mass production have led to their possible use for both fundamental research and clinical application. (Blood.2000;96: 2022-2036) (C) 2000 by The American Society of Hematology.