Altered gene expression in AML BM stromal cells. Gene expression analysis was done by qPCR on freshly FACS-sorted BM SCA1⁺CD51⁺ MSCs, SCA1⁻CD51⁺ MPCs, and CD31⁺ ECs after AML development. Data are presented as mean values of duplicate or triplicate qPCR measurements from 3 to 5 independent sorting experiments. (A) Relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of HSC niche genes and mesenchymal lineage-associated genes in MSCs. (B) Relative expression of HSC niche genes and mesenchymal lineage–associated genes in MPCs. (C) Relative expression of HSC niche genes in CD31⁺ ECs. Differences were determined using an unpaired parametric Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Horizontal bars represent mean values.