Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough. They developed a new stem cell-based model. It produces human blood cells in the lab. This model mimics early human embryonic development.
The discovery offers deeper insights into blood disorders. It also paves the way for new regenerative therapies.
The team used human stem cells. They formed three-dimensional, embryo-like structures. These are called hematoids. The structures are self-organizing.
They begin producing blood in about two weeks. This process imitates development in human embryos. It copies stages seen around the fourth and fifth weeks. These stages are normally hidden from direct observation.
Hematoids are not actual embryos. They lack vital support elements and do not have a yolk sac or placenta. They cannot develop into full embryos. However, they form three essential germ layers. These layers lead to the development of tissues and organs.
The hematoids were able to form three layers by the second day. These were the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Beating heart cells were observed by day eight. Red patches of blood appeared around day thirteen. This signalled the generation of blood stem cells.
The stem cells used can come from any human cell. These are hematopoietic stem cells. They can transform into various blood cells. This includes oxygen-carrying red cells. It also includes immune-supporting white cells.
The lab-produced stem cells developed into multiple cell types. They even formed adaptive immune cells, like T-cells. This offers a new way to model healthy blood formation. It also helps study diseases such as leukemia.
This model replicates natural conditions. It differs from other lab techniques. It does not rely on external proteins. The cells’ own environment guides their transformation. This makes the system more biologically accurate.
Dr. Jitesh Neupane noted the success. He said the red coloring was a clear sign. The model offers valuable insight into blood formation. It could be used for drug screening later.
Professor Azim Surani called it an important step. He sees progress toward regenerative therapies. This could use a patient’s own cells for repair. Dr. Geraldine Jowett highlighted the creation of specialized T-cells. This opens possibilities for studying immune cancers.
The research followed strict ethical guidelines. The findings are published in Cell Reports. Scientists believe lab-grown hematoids have a future. They could create long-lasting, patient-specific blood stem cells. This would advance personalized medicine.
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