GPI80 is a cell surface marker for hematopoietic stem cells throughout human fetal development

Bone marrow transplantations for leukemia patients are currently limited because Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) ex vivo expansion is constrained. We investigated a cell surface marker, GPI80, which isolates for a purified population of human HSC in the fetal liver. After identification of GPI80 in the placenta and BM, we were able to track HSC with GPI80 throughout fetal development. Next, detection of GPI80 on limited hematopoietic lineages allowed us to characterize unique HSC pathways. Finally, the colocalization of GPI80 with integrin alphaM suggests a regulatory role for GPI80 during HSC migration. In conclusion, GPI80 allows tracking of human HSC throughout fetal development and will aide in understanding the difficulties of HSC ex vivo expansion.