Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a pivotal role in supporting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance through various mechanisms, including the release of soluble factors, direct cell-cell interactions, and the creation of a leukemia-supportive niche...

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Main Authors: Mohamed J. Saadh, Nima Torabi Fard, Ahmed Hussein, Amirhossein Mirzazadeh, Mohammad Siavashi, Fatemeh SeyedMoharami, Shekoofeh Noroozi, Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-025-06244-4
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author Mohamed J. Saadh
Nima Torabi Fard
Ahmed Hussein
Amirhossein Mirzazadeh
Mohammad Siavashi
Fatemeh SeyedMoharami
Shekoofeh Noroozi
Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan
author_facet Mohamed J. Saadh
Nima Torabi Fard
Ahmed Hussein
Amirhossein Mirzazadeh
Mohammad Siavashi
Fatemeh SeyedMoharami
Shekoofeh Noroozi
Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan
author_sort Mohamed J. Saadh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a pivotal role in supporting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance through various mechanisms, including the release of soluble factors, direct cell-cell interactions, and the creation of a leukemia-supportive niche. Conversely, MSCs also demonstrate potential inhibitory effects on AML, including the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and the modulation of immune responses. These contrasting effects highlight the complexities of MSC-AML interactions and emphasize the need for further research to understand their therapeutic potential fully. Targeting MSCs represents a promising avenue for AML treatment. Strategies aimed at modifying MSC-mediated support of AML cells, such as inhibiting pro-survival signaling pathways, disrupting the leukemia-supportive niche, and enhancing the immune-stimulatory functions of MSCs, could offer novel therapeutic approaches. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of current research. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the dual effects of MSCs in AML, to identify biomarkers that predict patient response to MSC-targeted therapies, and to develop strategies to overcome potential challenges associated with MSC-based interventions. In conclusion, understanding the multifaceted role of MSCs in AML pathogenesis is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches. By harnessing the potential of MSCs and targeting their interactions with AML cells, we can explore novel strategies to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the overall management of this challenging hematological malignancy. This review underscores the intricate relationship between MSCs and AML within the bone marrow microenvironment.
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spelling doaj-art-b4f082c0866647aabdb3e1665ea0caeb2025-08-20T04:01:44ZengSpringerJournal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology1432-13352025-06-01151611210.1007/s00432-025-06244-4Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AMLMohamed J. Saadh0Nima Torabi Fard1Ahmed Hussein2Amirhossein Mirzazadeh3Mohammad Siavashi4Fatemeh SeyedMoharami5Shekoofeh Noroozi6Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan7Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East UniversityDepartment of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic UniversityDepartment of Hematology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Hematology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Medicine Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical ScienceStudent Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesStudent Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesAbstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a pivotal role in supporting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance through various mechanisms, including the release of soluble factors, direct cell-cell interactions, and the creation of a leukemia-supportive niche. Conversely, MSCs also demonstrate potential inhibitory effects on AML, including the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and the modulation of immune responses. These contrasting effects highlight the complexities of MSC-AML interactions and emphasize the need for further research to understand their therapeutic potential fully. Targeting MSCs represents a promising avenue for AML treatment. Strategies aimed at modifying MSC-mediated support of AML cells, such as inhibiting pro-survival signaling pathways, disrupting the leukemia-supportive niche, and enhancing the immune-stimulatory functions of MSCs, could offer novel therapeutic approaches. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of current research. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the dual effects of MSCs in AML, to identify biomarkers that predict patient response to MSC-targeted therapies, and to develop strategies to overcome potential challenges associated with MSC-based interventions. In conclusion, understanding the multifaceted role of MSCs in AML pathogenesis is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches. By harnessing the potential of MSCs and targeting their interactions with AML cells, we can explore novel strategies to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the overall management of this challenging hematological malignancy. This review underscores the intricate relationship between MSCs and AML within the bone marrow microenvironment.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-025-06244-4Mesenchymal stem cellsAcute myeloid leukemiaTherapeutic strategyBone marrow
spellingShingle Mohamed J. Saadh
Nima Torabi Fard
Ahmed Hussein
Amirhossein Mirzazadeh
Mohammad Siavashi
Fatemeh SeyedMoharami
Shekoofeh Noroozi
Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan
Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
Mesenchymal stem cells
Acute myeloid leukemia
Therapeutic strategy
Bone marrow
title Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
title_full Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
title_fullStr Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
title_full_unstemmed Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
title_short Mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment: a double-edged sword for AML
title_sort mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment a double edged sword for aml
topic Mesenchymal stem cells
Acute myeloid leukemia
Therapeutic strategy
Bone marrow
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-025-06244-4
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