Platelets, whose primary function is to prevent bleeding, are vital for treating various forms of trauma and blood diseases.
However, they can only be obtained through blood donations at present. Researchers reporting online February 13 in the Cell Press journal Cell Stem Cell recently found a way to create platelets without the need for donated blood, an advance that could possibly erase supply shortages and ensure platelet treatments for all who need them.
The supply of donated platelets, which have a short shelf life and must be kept at room temperature, is often insufficient to meet clinical needs. In addition, while transfused platelets do not typically need to be immune-matched to patients, repeated transfusion of unmatched platelets leads to an immune reaction that eventually renders patients unresponsive to platelet transfusion therapy.
To address these limitations, investigators from Japan developed a strategy to derive functional platelets from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be generated from various types of cells in the body, and they can in turn be coaxed to develop into nearly any other cell type. In the current study, the approach involved genetically manipulating such stem cells to become stable immortalized lines of platelet-producing cells called megakaryocyte progenitors.
The megakaryocyte progenitors could produce large quantities of platelets with clotting capabilities that were similar to those of donated platelets. Unlike freshly donated platelets, though, the immortalized megakaryocyte progenitors could be expanded and frozen for long-term storage.
“Here we established a method to achieve the long-term self-replication of megakaryocyte progenitors as an immortalized cell line, which could eventually contribute to large-scale cultivation and production of platelets,” says senior author Dr. Koji Eto of Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo.
The Latest on: Platelet supply
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The Latest on: Platelet supply
- Roll up your sleeve and giveon April 26, 2024 at 9:51 pm
Responding to emergency calls for blood and platelet donations is an important way to support the American Red Cross and those who receive those blood products. But even when there is no crisis, it is ...
- Red Cross: Donors of all blood types neededon April 26, 2024 at 5:49 am
As May approaches, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to keep the blood supply stable by racing to give blood or platelets in the weeks to come.
- Red Cross sets May blood drives in Vernon Countyon April 25, 2024 at 2:29 pm
As May approaches, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to keep the blood supply stable by racing to give blood or platelets in the weeks to come. Donors of ...
- Race to Help Save Lives with the Red Cross in Mayon April 24, 2024 at 7:00 am
ILLINOIS/MISSOURI - As May approaches, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to keep the blood supply stable by racing to give blood or platelets ...
- Urgent appeal: Our Blood Institute calls for platelet donors amid dwindling supplyon April 24, 2024 at 6:57 am
A series of recent appointment cancellations and low donor turnout have drastically impacted the platelet supply. Unlike whole blood, which has a storage life of 42 days, platelets don't last very ...
- Biotech startup with NC State, UNC ties sets fundraising goalson April 23, 2024 at 12:28 pm
A startup with ties to N.C. State and UNC is developing ways to treat uncontrolled bleeding and wants to raise millions to support its work.
- Race to help save lives by giving blood or plateletson April 23, 2024 at 11:36 am
Five May blood drives are currently scheduled in Crawford County. Those who give will get a free haircut coupon and a chance at VIP racing experience ...
- OBI calls on donors to replenish platelet supplyon April 23, 2024 at 10:00 am
Donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
- Coffee Memorial Blood Center seeks platelet donations amid low supplyon April 23, 2024 at 9:36 am
Officials with the Coffee Memorial Blood Center asked community members to donate blood platelets amid current issues with a low supply.
- Race to help save lives by giving blood or platelets; win trip to NASCAR Cup Serieson April 23, 2024 at 8:17 am
Six blood drives are scheduled in Marion County. Those who give will get a free haircut coupon and a chance at a VIP racing experience ...
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