TGF-beta1-binding proteins on human bone marrow stromal cells

The stromal cells are integral components of the bone marrow (BM) that provide and respond to cytokines, and offer adhesion elements for hematopoietic cell homing. Steady-state hematopoiesis results from a balance between negative and positive acting cytokines, whose expression is in addition the subject of regulation. TGF-beta1 is present in the BM microenvironment and plays a central role in controlling hematopoiesis, by modulating the synthesis of cytokines and cytokine receptors, as well as cell adhesion molecules. We have recently described the TGF-beta1 receptor system expressed on human BM stromal cells. The consequences of signalling through this system, which can affect stromal cell function, and hence, influence the hematopoiesis, is the subject of this review.