Characteristics and Behaviors of Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Leukemia Stem Cells in Hematologic Malignancies

Hematopoiesis is maintained by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that can self-renew and produce all lineages of blood and immune cells. As the hub of hematopoietic system, HSCs behave dynamically in response to various stresses. Dysregulation of these adaptive–response mechanisms causes the development of hematologic malignancies, including myeloid leukemia. The development of myeloid leukemia is frequently associated with accumulation of acquired genetic and epigenetic alterations mainly occurred in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which aberrantly alter HSPC state at both the molecular and cellular levels and transform them into leukemia stem cells (LSCs). It is widely accepted that LSCs are leukemia-initiating cells with the capacity to self-renew and differentiate, and remain in a state of quiescence. Thus, LSCs possess many biological features that reflect dysregulated aspects of HSPCs. LSCs are also responsible for leukemia relapse because of inability of current chemotherapy regimens in eradicating LSCs. In order to achieve long-term remissions and eventually to cure leukemia, eliminating the LSC population is required. While HSCs are largely in a state of quiescence with glycolytic, autophagy-dependent, tightly controlled levels of protein synthesis, and intact stress response system, LSCs reprogram their metabolic system, alter the epigenetic landscape, and adapt the epitranscriptional program. Therefore, it is necessary to successfully target LSCs by fully characterizing the biology of LSCs and deciphering the differences of HSCs and LSCs in maintaining their function.
The Research Topic aims to cover our current understanding of the biology of hematopoietic stem cells, leukemia stem cells and leukemogenesis. Both original research articles and review articles are welcome. Preferred subtopics include but are not limited to:

• Mechanistic studies of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance
• Epigenetic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia stem cells
• RNA modification in hematopoiesis and leukemia
• Metabolic regulation of hematopoiesis and leukemia
• Hematopoietic lineage tracing
• Hematopoietic homeostasis
• Advanced technologies in stem cell fate tracking and in vivo imaging
• Therapeutic strategies of myeloid leukemia