Researchers produce 30 million blood cells for every million stem cells

(Image for representational purpose only)

In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchershave found out two key genetic programs responsible for differentiating blank-slate stem cells to both red and white cells that make up human blood.

Igor Slukvin, the lead researcher from University of Wisconsin-Madison, who developed the method along with his group, explained that this was the first demonstration of the production of different kinds of cells from human pluripotent stem cells, using transcription factors. (Read: Stem cell therapy what you ought to know)

Slukvin said that by over-expressing just two transcription factors, they could reproduce the sequence of events they see in the 'embryo' where blood was made, in the laboratory dish. The method developed by Slukvin's group was shown to produce blood cells in abundance. For every million stem cells, the researchers were able to produce 30 million blood cells. According to Slukvin, an unfulfilled aspiration is to produce hematopoietic stem cells, multipotent stem cells found in bone marrow that are used to treat some cancers, including leukemia and multiple myeloma, in the lab. (Read: Could stem cells repair hearing loss?)

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells which are capable of giving rise to more cells of the same type. They are of particular interest because they are capable of replenishing dying cells and can regenerate damaged tissues. Experts believe that stem cell treatments will play an important role in alleviating human diseases. Right now the only cost beneficial stem cell therapy is bone marrow transplantation but experts believe that it can be soon used to treat cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, cardiac failures and can facilitate organ transplantation with minimal risk of rejection and side-effects.

With inputs from ANI

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