stem cell niche extra reading

Question 1

hypoxia and the stem cell niche

Answer 1

It has also been shown that HSCs under hypoxic conditions can enhance the stemness of HSCs and shift cells from a quiescence to renewal phase [23]. Low levels of oxygen can also protect cells from DNA damage caused by oxidative stress which are common in aerobic metabolism. Studies have shown that rates of cellular damage are significantly higher at 20% O2 relative to 3% O2. Low oxygen tension of 1% has also been shown to maintain the pluripotency of stem cells; therefore, hypoxia is essential for maintaining CSC characteristics [16].