Scientists unlock key to efficient artificial blood production

In a significant leap toward artificial blood, scientists at the University of Konstanz and Queen Mary University of London have uncovered how a single molecule, chemokine CXCL12, triggers a crucial step in red blood cell development. This discovery solves a decades-old mystery surrounding the expulsion of nuclei in red blood cell precursors, a vital process unique to mammals.

The findings, published in Science Signaling, could dramatically improve the efficiency of artificial blood production, opening new avenues for treating rare blood disorders and managing donor shortages worldwide.

Scientific breakthrough

Natural blood production occurs in the bone marrow, where stem cells develop into erythroblasts, precursor cells that mature into erythrocytes (red blood cells). Doctor Julia Gutjahr, a biologist at the Institute of Cellular Biology and Immunology Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, explained that in the final stage of an erythroblast’s development into an erythrocyte, the erythroblast expels its nucleus, allowing mammals to make more room for haemoglobin involved in the transport of oxygen.

The researchers discovered that the chemokine CXCL12, mainly found in bone marrow, can trigger nucleus expulsion in erythroblasts when combined with other factors. By adding CXCL12 to erythroblasts at the right moment, they were able to induce the expulsion of their nucleus artificially.

This breakthrough could significantly enhance the efficiency of artificial blood production, with further research needed to explore its full potential.

Reprogramming cells and generating artificial blood production

Stem cells are currently the most effective method for producing artificial blood, but sources are limited. Recent advancements in reprogramming different cell types into stem cells offer a promising approach for generating red blood cells. The key role of CXCL12 in triggering nuclear expulsion suggests that using CXCL12 could improve the production of red blood cells from reprogrammed cells.

If large-scale production becomes feasible, it could lead to various applications such as targeted generation of rare blood types, bridging shortages, or personalized treatments for different diseases.

According to the source: Open Access Government.