In a groundbreaking development, researchers have successfully produced human blood stem cells in a laboratory setting for the first time, a significant advancement that could enhance treatment options for certain cancers, including leukaemia and lymphoma.
Initial experiments involved testing these lab-grown stem cells in mice. When these cells were infused into the animals, they effectively transformed into functional bone marrow, achieving levels comparable to those observed after umbilical cord blood cell transplants.
Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy can compromise the blood-forming cells in bone marrow, making stem cell transplants crucial for restoring healthy blood production. While umbilical cords are rich sources of stem cells, their availability can be limited, and patients may face rejection of transplanted cells. The innovative approach of creating stem cells from a patient’s own blood or skin cells may resolve these supply issues and minimize the risk of rejection.
The process begins with reprogramming human blood or skin cells into pluripotent stem cells, which are capable of developing into any cell type in the body. This involves temporarily activating four specific genes, as explained by a researcher from a leading research institute.
The next phase involves differentiating these pluripotent cells into blood stem cells. Researchers create thousands of small cellular aggregates, guiding them through a series of changes to transform into blood cells over a span of two weeks. This crucial step allows for the generation of millions of blood cells.
Upon infusion into mice with compromised immune systems, these engineered cells established functional bone marrow in approximately 50% of cases, replicating the vital functions of healthy bone marrow, which includes oxygen transport and infection defense. The ability to produce all blood cell types over extended periods is what characterizes these cells as blood stem cells.
Experts in the field have hailed this work as a monumental breakthrough in the future treatment of blood cancers, recognizing its unprecedented potential. However, researchers emphasize that substantial clinical trials in humans will be necessary before this method can be implemented in medical settings.
One advantage of this new technique is its scalability, allowing for a virtually limitless supply of blood stem cells. Nevertheless, challenges remain regarding success rates and the diversity of blood cell types generated, which are influenced by the initial cell type used. Addressing these inconsistencies will be crucial as the research progresses towards human clinical trials.
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