From stem cell to red blood cells in vitro: "the 12 labors of Hercules".
This article describes the research in progress that will permit the large-scale production of human red blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells. It also discusses the current state of this research, suggests the obstacles to be overcome to pass from the laboratory model to clinical practice, and analyzes the possible indications in the medium and long term. The potential interest of pluripotent stem cells as an unlimited source of red blood cells is considered. If it succeeds, this new approach could mark a considerable advance in the field of transfusion.
UMR_S938-Proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, INSERM, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Etablissement Français du Sang Ile de France, Ivry-sur-Seine, France. luc.douay@trs.aphp.fr
Luc
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Douay
D000328:Adult; D001789:Blood Group Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001802:Blood Substitutes; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000502:physiology; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D012156:Reticulocytes / Q000166:cytology
D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D001802:Blood Substitutes; D006454:Hemoglobins