Local interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment and their contributions to systemic metabolic processes

Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to summarize recent advancements in our understanding of the relationship between bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) and their neighboring bone marrow cells, and how these interactions influence the local marrow niche and systemic metabolism. While it is tempting to think of cells within the bone marrow niche as functionally distinct islands working toward independent and highly specialized tasks (e.g., hematopoiesis, bone formation, immune development, etc.), cells of the bone marrow niche are highly dependent on the heterogeneous population of mature and progenitor cells surrounding them for support, innervation, signaling activation, and for meeting their energy demands. This elaborate network of intercellular communication is mediated by a variety of external and internal signals including cytokines, hormones, and cell–cell contacts, and thus the net effect of which can dramatically shift the composition and function of bone marrow. Bone marrow adiposity is often altered in pathological states, leading many to recognize the potential role of BMAs in regulating marrow physiology.