Blut

The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation research unit covers a range of topics from basic research on stem cell biology and hematopoiesis to translational research in transplantation and transfusion medicine.

The aim is to gain new insight into how hematopoiesis is regulated in humans. The current focus is on ex vivo generation of lineage restricted blood cells—specifically red blood cells—from human stem cells through biotechnological procedures. The raw materials are provided by different stem cell sources such as CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood and bone marrow and human induced pluripotent (iPSC) and embryonic (ESC) stem cells.

Contact person

Isabel Dorn  
T: +43 316 385 86875

Contact person

Claudia Bernecker  
T: +43 316 385 83069

Focus

Forschung

Current research focuses on the expansion of red blood cells under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions, exploration of enucleation and terminal differentiation mechanisms and identification of the functional properties of cultured red blood cells. Its findings will allow further translation of this technology to clinical application for therapeutic (packed red blood cells) and diagnostic (blood group typing test panel) purposes.

Forschung

In particular, the culture of red blood cells with specific blood groups might help to overcome bottlenecks in the blood supply for patients with complex immunizations. Through the establishment of human disease models, for example for hemoglobinopathies, the regulation of fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms can be investigated and potential gene therapy approaches may be generated.

Projects

  • Ex vivo erythropoiesis from adult hematopoietic and induced pluripotent stem cells
  • Upscaling strategies under GMP conditions
  • Clinical applicability of ex vivo generated erythrocytes with a focus on biomechanical qualities
    • Period: 2018–2022
    • Funded by: OeNB
    • Project partners: Dan Cojoc, Italian National Research Council, Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM), Gerhard Holzapfel, Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Dagmar Kolb, CF Ultrastructure Analysis, Medical University of Graz, Eleonore Fröhlich, CF Imaging, Medical University of Graz
  • Investigation of enucleation and terminal differentiation mechanisms
  • Significance of the cellular niche in the development of red blood cells

(Inter)national project partners

  • Dagmar Brislinger, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz
  • Dagmar Kolb, CF Ultrastructure Analysis, Medical University of Graz
  • Harald Köfeler, CF Mass Spectrometry, Medical University of Graz
  • Nico Lachmann, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School
  • Dan Cojoc, Italian National Research Council, Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM)
  • Gerhard Holzapfel, Institute of Biomechanics, TU Graz
  • Holm Zaehres, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum