Researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Gurdon Institute have developed embryo-like structures from human stem cells that produce blood cells naturally, without eggs or sperm.
The models developed in the laboratory replicate early human development, giving rise to beating heart cells by day eight and blood by day 13.
This discovery can potentially lead to personalized bone marrow transplants with a patient’s own cells in the future.
By mimicking embryonic processes that occur in nature, this technique provides a strong new tool for examining blood disease, immune development, and possible regenerative treatments.
MBH/AB
Regenerative medicine has exciting new possibilities thanks to the ability to create embryo-like structures that naturally produce heart and blood cells. Treatment for immunological and blood disorders may be revolutionised by personalised bone marrow transplants made with the patient’s own cells. These models’ resemblance to natural development is amazing. Do you believe that in the long run, this might lessen the need for conventional donors?