Statistical inference in a two-compartment model for hematopoiesis

We present a method for parameter estimation in a two-compartment hidden Ma rkov model of the first two stages of hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis is the s pecialization of stern cells into mature blood cells. As stem cells are not distinguishable in bone marrow, little is known about their behavior, alth ough it is known that they have the ability to self-renew or to differentia te to more specialized (progenitor) cells. We observe progenitor cells in s amples of bone marrow taken from hybrid cats whose cells contain a natural binary marker. With data consisting of the changing proportions of this bin ary marker over time from several cats, estimates for stem cell self-renewa l and differentiation parameters are obtained using an estimating equations approach.