About this Research Topic

Background

Haematopoiesis is the process by which new blood and immune cells are produced, a critical function for the maintenance of life in vertebrate animals. The haematopoietic niche, which sustains the self-renewal and differentiation of haematopoietic cells, undergoes significant changes from embryonic development through to adult homeostasis. Initially, the embryonic yolk sac produces haematopoietic progenitors, which then migrate to the foetal liver, the primary haematopoietic niche during foetal development. Postnatally, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) colonize the bone marrow, which remains the main site for haematopoiesis throughout life. Recent studies have identified additional haematopoietic reservoirs in adults, such as the spleen, lungs, and intestine. However, the bone marrow's ability to sustain haematopoietic homeostasis declines with age and can be significantly altered during disease, affecting its haematopoietic competence. Despite these advances, the molecular mechanisms and biochemical cues that regulate haematopoiesis remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for further investigation in this field.

This research topic aims to assemble original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that highlight the latest advances in the study of developmental and adult haematopoiesis. The primary goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and biochemical cues that promote haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell generation, self-renewal, and differentiation. Additionally, the research will explore novel strategies and technologies to study the haematopoietic niche, including spatial multi-omics approaches and large-scale drug screenings. By addressing these questions, the research aims to develop more effective treatments for haematological diseases and improve the reliable expansion of donor HSCs in vitro or their production de novo from human pluripotent stem cells.

To gather further insights into the plasticity of the haematopoietic niche from embryonic development to aging and disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Haematopoietic niches during embryonic development, from the yolk sac and dorsal aorta to the foetal liver and bone marrow.
- The bone marrow microenvironment and secondary haematopoietic sites in adult health, aging, and disease.
- Molecular mechanisms and biochemical cues promoting haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell generation, self-renewal, and differentiation.
- Novel strategies and technologies to study the haematopoietic niche, including spatial multi-omics approaches and large-scale drug screenings.
- The diversity of model systems to study haematopoiesis, from animal embryos to human pluripotent stem cells.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: haematopoiesis, haematopoietic niche, haematopoietic stem cells, adult haematopoiesis, haematopoietic

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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