2024-09-02 15:00:00
Australian researchers have made a breakthrough a pioneer in the field of producing blood stem cells that closely resemble the human body. The discovery could lead to personalized treatments for children with leukemia and bone marrow failure disorders.
The study, conducted by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in ‘Biotechnology nature ‘, has overcome a major obstacle to the production of human blood stem cells, which can create red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are very similar to those of a human fetus. In addition, it opens the way to treat many blood disorders.
MCRI Associate Professor Elizabeth Ng explains that the group has done important research in the development of human blood stem cells, paving the way for cells grown in this research laboratory to be used in blood stem cells and bone marrow.
“It is possible to get any cell from a patient, reprogrammarla to turn it into a stem cell and then turn it into blood cells that are compatible for transplantation will have a huge impact on the lives of these patients,” he pointed out.
Before this research, it was not possible to generate human blood stem cells in the laboratory that could be transplanted into an animal model with insufficient bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. “We have developed a process that has created transplantable blood cells that closely resemble those of human embryos.”
Moreover, he points out, “these human cells can be created at the scale and with the purity required for clinical use.”
In the study, laboratory-modified human blood stem cells were injected into immunocompromised mice. Blood stem cells were found to transfer to functional bone marrow at levels similar to those seen in umbilical cord blood cell transplants, a successful parameter.
The results could lead to new treatment options for many blood disorders
The study also found that lab-grown cells can become frozen before being successfully transplanted into mice. This mimics the process of preserving stem cells from donor blood before transplanting them into patients.
Prof. MCRI, Ed Stanleybelieve that the findings may lead to new treatment options for various blood disorders. “Red blood cells are important for the transport of oxygen and white blood cells are our immune system, while platelets cause clotting to stop bleeding.” Understanding how these cells develop and function is like a complex puzzle.
In his opinion, by developing stem cell systems that resemble the development of normal blood cells found in our bodies, “we can understand and develop personalized treatments for many blood diseases, including leukemia and heart failure. . of bone marrow.
Blood stem cell transplants are sometimes an important part of life-saving treatment for childhood blood disorders; However, not everyone finds an ideal matchmaker.
“The donor’s mismatched immune cells from the transplant can attack the recipient’s tissues, causing severe illness or death,” he said. Andrew ElephantyProfessor at MCRI. “Developing personal, patient-specific blood cells will prevent these complications, address donor shortages and, with genome editing, help correct the underlying causes of blood diseases.”
The next stage, perhaps in about five years, will be to conduct a clinical trial to test the safety of using these lab-grown blood cells in humans.
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