Fig. 2

Mitophagy Maintains Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Influences Differentiation Potential. HSCs reside in a hypoxic environment with low levels of growth factors. HSCs rely on glycolysis as their primary energy source in their quiescent and self-renewing states. This metabolic state promotes the activation of transcription factors such as PPARδ, ATAD3A, TGFβ1 and FOXO3 and reduces ROS production, protecting HSCs from oxidative damage and preserving their long-term stemness. HSC differentiation is associated with increased ROS levels and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). As HSCs differentiate into downstream progenitors, their metabolism shifts from glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to meet higher energy demands. HPC, Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell; FA, fatty acid; ADP, adenosine diphosphate; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; AMP, Adenosine Monophosphate; TCA, tricarboxylic acid cycle. Created in https://BioRender.com