Blog | HemaCare

An independent study ^[1] cites using HemaCare-sourced human cord blood, bone marrow, and mobilized peripheral blood as the starting material in a new strategy for more efficient genetic modification of human stem cells.

The study is based at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, Italy. Researchers there have been looking into ways to make gene transduction, which is used to introduce an edited copy of a human gene into stem cells, more efficient. The new strategy is part of their goal to improve the potency and long-term engraftment of stem cells used for gene therapy in the clinic.

Regrowth and healing of skin after severe traumas such as burns and other extensive skin damage are significant medical challenges and depend on complex skin regeneration mechanisms. Skin and other tissue regeneration processes start with platelet degranulation and clotting that are associated with the release of a number of factors including clotting factors and cytokines. Skin tissue regeneration also relies on the action of growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is beneficial for tissue regeneration processes because platelets promote the secretion of growth factors that are essential in wound healing.

Human cord blood is a critical source of cells used to treat blood disorders. However, this source contains low numbers of cells that make successful transplants more difficult. The bone marrow of adults contain blood-forming stem cells that are self-renewing, can grow well, and can become different types of mature blood cells. Osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) are involved in the production of hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Studies have shown that osteoblasts release extracellular vesicles (EVs), small structures within cells that contain various molecules and factors for various cellular functions. The EVs from osteoblasts play a role in maintaining a source of HSPCs needed for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation).

A clinical trial shows that cord blood regulatory T cells help reduce GVHD in high-risk blood malignancies.

One of the worst adverse effects of bone marrow or stem cell transplant is graft versus host disease. Side effects can range from rashes to a complete destruction of vital organs such as kidneys or liver. Thanks to regulatory T cells from cord blood, transplant patients may have a better therapy option.