Clonal hematopoiesis: a shared risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and tumors

Abstract

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a clonally expanded population of hematopoietic stem cells carrying somatic mutations that differentiate through multilineage hematopoiesis to form terminally differentiated mature hematopoietic cells carrying markers of the clonal mutation. Genes integral to critical cellular processes such as epigenetic regulation, DNA damage response, and inflammation frequently carry these mutations. Clonal hematopoiesis becomes increasingly prevalent with age and is associated with an increased risk of hematological tumors and some nonhematological conditions. Recent insights have revealed that the mutations driving CH are not only implicated in hematologic neoplasms but also possess the potential to influence cardiovascular pathogenesis. Here, we reviewed up-to-date findings about the roles of CH in cardiovascular diseases and tumors and explored the clinical significance of CH, as well as look forward to future related studies, so as to provide valuable references for future research and clinical practice.