Advances in Producing Blood Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine
Scientists have identified key genes capable of transforming embryonic stem cells into blood-forming stem cells, paving the way for lab-produced blood cells for regenerative therapies.
Recent research has brought us closer to the reliable generation of blood stem cells in laboratory settings, a breakthrough that promises significant implications for regenerative medicine. Blood stem cells, or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), have the remarkable ability to develop into any blood cell type, which is vital for treating blood disorders and cancers. Typically, patients with blood cancers require bone marrow transplants, but finding suitable donors remains a significant challenge.
Scientists aim to produce functional blood cells in the lab directly from embryonic or other stem cells, potentially overcoming donor limitations. A recent study led by Dr. Anna Bigas involved screening thousands of genes in mice to identify those capable of transforming embryonic stem cells into HSCs. The team pinpointed a set of seven genes that, when activated appropriately, successfully converted mouse embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem cell precursors capable of regenerating a complete blood system.
These lab-generated cells were tested in mice, where they demonstrated the ability to produce diverse blood cells, including immune cells, and sustain normal blood function into adulthood. The research, published in Blood journal, suggests that the genetic mechanisms involved are conserved across species, making it feasible to translate these findings to human applications.
Dr. Bigas expressed optimism that this foundational work in mice could lead to developing off-the-shelf human blood stem cells. Since the genes involved are highly conserved and present in humans, future research aims to adapt this method for human stem cell engineering. The ultimate goal is to create a reliable platform to produce blood stem cells on demand, which could revolutionize treatment for leukemia, anemia, and other blood disorders, marking a significant leap toward regenerative therapies.
This groundbreaking research supports the ambitious 'Making Blood' project at the Bigas Lab, aiming to develop technological solutions for generating human hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. If successful, these advances could dramatically improve patient outcomes and eliminate the dependency on donor matching for bone marrow transplants.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-closer-confident-production-blood-stem.html
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