Fig 1: Dlk1 repressed mitochondrial metabolism through Notch signaling in adult mice HSCs. A GSEA analysis of the Notch signaling pathway in Dlk1 knockout LSK cells. B Heatmap of critical genes of Notch signaling pathway in LSK (Dlk1 WT versus Dlk1 KO). C qRT-PCR validating the gene expression of Notch1, Hes1 and Hey1. D Western blot validating the protein expression of Notch1, Hes1, Notch1 NICD, Notch3, Hey1 and Hes5. E Schematic diagram of Notch pathway agonist JAG1 incubation with bone marrow cells during in vitro culture. The SLAM HSCs (LSK, CD150+ and CD48-) were gated for analysis in F–I. F, G Frequency in TNC and absolute number of SLAM HSCs per legs. H Analysis of mitochondrial mass by Mitotracker green in HSCs (n = 3). I Analysis of mitochondrial superoxide by MitoSOX Red in HSCs (n = 3). K Model of this study. Data were expressed as mean ± SD; *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001