What is the primary role of the hematopoietic stem cell factor, also known as stem cell factor, in hematopoiesis?

A To stimulate the proliferation of mature blood cells
B To promote the survival and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells ✓
C To induce the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into specific lineages
D To regulate the homing of hematopoietic stem cells to the bone marrow niche

Explanation

The hematopoietic stem cell factor, also known as stem cell factor, plays a crucial role in promoting the survival and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells, allowing them to maintain their ability to differentiate into all blood cell lineages.

Source

Alberts et al. (2002) - Molecular Biology of the Cell
Hematology Hematology: Hematopoiesis Hematology: Hematopoiesis Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high