Exercise instructs hematopoietic progenitor cells and reduces chronic leukocytosis [ATAC-seq]. Exercise instructs hematopoietic progenitor cells and reduces chronic leukocytosis [ATAC-seq]

We show that regular physical activity decreases hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) proliferation in mice and results in reduced leukocyte production. Effects in HSPC last due to exercise-induced changes in the HSPC epigenome, as assessed by ATAC-seq, which remained for weeks after running ceased. Overall design: 7-8 weeks old C57BL/6 mice were individually housed and had access to exercise wheels for 6 weeks (Ex), or were housed with igloos (Sed). Another group had access to exercise wheels for 6 weeks followed by a 3 weeks wheel withdrawal (ExSed).