The role of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL for the maintenance of human hematopoiesis

Introduction: Depletion of hematopoietic progenitor cells and their mature descendants by the use of anti-cancer therapies often leads to acute myelosuppression. In this condition, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can repopulate the peripheral hematopoietic system. Nevertheless, if this ability of HSCs is compromised, then a fatal and irreversible damage to the hematopoietic system can occur. This can be due to the use of anti-cancer therapies that are particularly toxic to HSCs. To avoid complete depletion of HSCs, there is a need to understand the pathways and mechanisms involved in their survival and regenerat…