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.
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.
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.
