Breakthrough achieved in human embryonic stem cells

A team of Korean researchers has achieved a breakthrough in helping alleviate the world shortage of blood through the separation and production of blood platelets from human embryonic stem cells, or hESCs.

Cha Bio & Diostech said Wednesday, “Our U.S. operation Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International has successfully divided human embryonic stem cells extracted from leftover eggs from in-vitro fertilization facilities into megakaryocytes, precursors to blood platelets.”

Megakaryocytes are divided into platelets as they grow.

Stem Cell President Chung Hyung-min said, “hESC-derived platelets show no difference from normal blood platelets in clot formation and retraction.”

Platelets play an important role in clot formation and repair of vascular injury. Platelet transfusions are necessary for trauma treatment, chemotherapy, radiation treatment or organ transplant surgery.

Blood type does not affect platelet transfusions, but platelets have a short storage time and are at high risk of infection. So scientists have long sought to develop alternatives to this blood component.

Cha says it expects to develop artificial blood within several years based on the latest breakthrough.

The world’s annual blood shortage ranges from 45,000 to 90,000 liters and the world blood market is worth 4.9 billion won (4.4 million U.S. dollars).

Kim Hyun-ok, a laboratory medicine professor at Severance Hospital in Seoul, said, “This is a meaningful achievement in the study of artificial blood,” but added, “We have many obstacles to overcome since the mass production of blood that can be transfused is very difficult.”

The research results were published in the international journal Cell Research.

woohaha@donga.com