Decreased growth potential of STRO-1+CD73- and STRO-1- CD73+ subpopulations isolated from cultured MDS-derived BM-MSCs as compared to those isolated from HD-derived MSCs. Growth impairment of MDS-derived BM-MSCs was associated with reduced expression of CD44 and CD49e. The gene discussed is ITGA5; the disease is myelodysplastic syndrome.