Short-term ex-vivo exposure to hydrogen sulfide enhances murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell migration, homing, and proliferation.

Abstract

For successful transplantation of Hematopoietic Stem cells (HSCs), it is quite necessary that efficient homing, engraftment and retention of HSC self-renewal capacity takes place, which is often restricted due to inadequate number of adult HSCs. Here, we report that short-term ex-vivo treatment of mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) to Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide (NaHS, hydrogen sulfide-H₂S donor) can be used as a possible strategy to overcome such hurdle. H₂S increases the expression of CXCR4 on HSPCs, enhancing their migration toward SDF-1α in-vitro and thus homing to BM niche. . Additionally, in-vitro studies revealed that H₂S has a role in activating mitochondria, thus, pushing quiescent HSCs into division. These results suggest a readily available and cost-effective method to facilitate efficient HSC transplantation.