Clonal hematopoiesis: Mutation-specific adaptation to environmental change

Cell Stem Cell. 2022 Jun 2;29(6):882-904. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.05.006.

Abstract

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) describes a widespread expansion of genetically variant hematopoietic cells that increases exponentially with age and is associated with increased risks of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other maladies. Here, we discuss how environmental contexts associated with CHIP, such as old age, infections, chemotherapy, or cigarette smoking, alter tissue microenvironments to facilitate the selection and expansion of specific CHIP mutant clones. Further, we consider major remaining gaps in knowledge, including intrinsic effects, clone size thresholds, and factors affecting clonal competition, that will determine future application of this field in transplant and preventive medicine.

Keywords: aging; cancer; chemotherapy; clonal competition; clonal hematopoiesis; infection; inflammation; radiation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Clonal Hematopoiesis* / genetics
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells*
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Risk Factors