iPSCs were turned into blood cells
Erythrocytes and platelets can be created in a test tube
The results of their work, published in the journal Blood (Smith et al., The aryl hydrocarbon receptor directs hematopoietic progenitor cell expansion and differentiation), will help solve the problem of a shortage of donated blood and accelerate the research of new treatments for certain diseases.
George J. Murphy and his colleagues were able to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into erythrocytes and platelets by influencing them with special growth factors. Scientists also needed to add a component that regulates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Previous studies have shown that Ahrs are involved in the formation of cancer cells by interacting with environmental toxins and carcinogens. However, the study by Dr. Murphy's team proved that these receptors also play a key role in the normal development of blood cells. By activating the action of these receptors, scientists managed to obtain a large number of healthy red blood cells and platelets from iPSCs in a short time.
The researchers especially emphasize the fact that iPSCs can be easily obtained from each person using his skin or blood cells. Thus, differentiated red blood cells and platelets from them will be "native" to the patient and will solve not only the problem of a shortage of donor blood, but also a possible undesirable immune reaction to it. Moreover, this method of obtaining blood cells excludes the possibility of their infection. Such "laboratory" blood cells can also become an inexhaustible source for biological research, for example, for the study of sickle cell anemia.
Every year, millions of liters of whole blood and red blood cells are transfused to several tens of millions of people. Due to the diversity of blood groups, even in the developed countries of the world, there is a constant shortage of it. Experts predict that people's need for donated blood will only increase over time, and by 2050 there will be a serious shortage of it. It is also worth remembering that not only seriously ill patients and patients who are going to have a difficult operation, whose needs can be planned in advance, need donated blood. As a result of sudden natural disasters and catastrophes, the need for donated blood increases dramatically.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru07.06.2013