| abstract |
Methods for culturing and increasing the number (expanding the population) of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are provided. In one method, the HSCs are cocultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of angiopoietin-like (Angplt5) growth factor, IGF-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), stem cell factor (SCF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), or a combination thereof. HSCs obtained by the methods described can be used in methods to repopulate an animal, such as an immunocompromised animal. |