Understanding Normal and Pathological Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Using Mathematical Modelling

Purpose of Review Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) produce all blood cells via a tightly controlled production system. Disruptions to control mechanisms can induce serious disorders, including leukemias. In this review, we provide an overview of how mathematical modelling has contributed to our understanding of normal and pathological HSC biology. Recent Findings Through the increased availability of a variety of experimental and clinical data, new approaches to mathematically modelling HSCs have revealed how clonality is regulated in the hematopoietic system over time, how increasingly clonal hematopoietic and leukemic stem cell populations contribute to the development of acute myeloid leukemia, and the mechanisms and kinetics of HSC regulation. Summary Mathematical modelling is a complementary tool to quantitatively explore HSC and hematopoietic regulation. Studies combining experimental, clinical, and theoretical approaches have deepened our understanding of HSC biology and aid future investigations to reveal the mechanisms of HSC maintenance and production.

Automated summary

Mathematical modeling is a valuable tool for exploring the mechanisms of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic regulation. Studies that combine experimental, clinical, and theoretical approaches have enhanced our understanding of HSC biology.