Cell cycle analysis of HSCs (Lin^- cKit⁺ Sca1⁺) cells using Ki67 and FxCycle Violet Stain (n = 3). B Percentage of HSCs within the BM assessed by flow cytometry (n ≥ 6 each genotype) at 3 and 12 months of age. C BM niche cells from Wt and Ptch2^-/- mice were purified via FACS. RNA samples were analyzed via Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Gene ST 2.0 and evaluated via KEGG and oncogenic signature gene sets. + indicates significantly increased canonical or non-canonical HH-signaling pathway within specified Ptch2^-/- subpopulations. D-F qPCR for Scf (D), Cxcl12 (E) and Thpo (F) in sorted OBCs, MSPCs, Endo and CaR cells purified from Wt and Ptch2^-/- mice. Transcript levels are shown relative to Gapdh.