ABSTRACT
The intrinsic properties of self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) play a critical role in the regeneration of mature hematopoietic cells at steady state and in stress conditions including bleeding, inflammation and aging. Common techniques such as flow cytometry and genetic methods have answered many questions about their intrinsic and extrinsic regulation. Using these approaches, it was demonstrated that HSPCs in the bone marrow demonstrate low rates of proliferation and apoptosis. This dormant phenotype is associated with a low production of reactive oxygen species and low mitochondrial activity.Here, we describe the methodology to characterize the physiologic state of HSPCs isolated from their native hematopoietic organ using flow cytometry-based assays. These protocols allow evaluation of their ROS levels and activated signaling pathways under various conditions.