The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behavior by influencing cell proliferation,
survival, shape, migration and differentiation. Far from being a static structure, the ECM is …

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the life-long source of all types of blood cells. Their
function is controlled by their direct microenvironment, the HSC niche in the bone marrow …

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a complex and highly active biopolymer that is synthesized as an
alternating copolymer of hexuronic acid and glucosamine and modified at various positions …

A major obstacle in defining the exact role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in stem cell niches is
the lack of suitable in vitro methods that recapitulate complex ECM microenvironments. Here …

Glycosaminoglycans are unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeating units of
alternating uronic acids and amino sugars. Most glycosaminoglycans are covalently …

Stem cells are characterized by their dual ability to reproduce themselves (self‐renew) and
specialize (differentiate), yielding a plethora of daughter cells that maintain and regenerate …

Stem cells have been identified and characterized in a variety of tissues. In this review we
examine possible shared properties of stem cells. We suggest that irrespective of their lineal …

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are capable of extensive self-renewal in vivo and are
successfully employed clinically to treat hematopoietic malignancies, yet are in limited …

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a specific angiogenic factor, and
thrombospondin (TSP), is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. To better understand the role of …

Maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells and differentiation of committed progenitors
occurs in highly specialized niches. The interactions of haematopoietic stem and progenitor …