Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the life-long source of all types of blood cells. Their function is controlled by their direct microenvironment, the HSC niche in the bone marrow. Although the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the niche by orchestrating niche architecture and cellular function is widely acknowledged, it is still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the ECM in HSC niches. For this purpose, we first briefly outline HSC niche biology and then review the role of the different classes of ECM molecules in the niche one by one and how they are perceived by cells. Matrix remodeling and the emerging importance of biophysics in HSC niche function are discussed. Finally, the application of the current knowledge of ECM in the niche in form of artificial HSC niches for HSC expansion or targeted differentiation as well as drug testing is reviewed.

造血干细胞 (HSC) 是所有类型血细胞的终生来源。它们的功能由它们直接的微环境控制，即骨髓中的 HSC 生态位。尽管通过协调生态位结构和细胞功能，细胞外基质 (ECM) 在生态位中的重要性已得到广泛认可，但仍未得到充分探索。在本次审查中，我们全面概述了 HSC 利基市场中的 ECM。为此，我们首先简要概述 HSC 生态位生物学，然后逐一回顾不同类别的 ECM 分子在生态位中的作用以及它们是如何被细胞感知的。讨论了基质重塑和生物物理学在 HSC 生态位功能中的新兴重要性。最后，