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Generation of red blood cells from human embryonic/induced pluripotent stem cells for blood transfusion

  • Progress in Hematology
  • Disease modeling and treatment by iPS cells
  • Published:
International Journal of Hematology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for many patients with emergency or hematological disorders. However, to date the supply of RBCs remains labile and dependent on voluntary donations. In addition, the transmission of infectious disease via blood transfusion from unspecified donors remains a risk. Establishing a large quantity of safe RBCs would help to address this issue. Human embryonic stem (hES) cells and the recently established human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells represent potentially unlimited sources of donor-free RBCs for blood transfusion, as they can proliferate indefinitely in vitro. Extensive research has been done to efficiently generate transfusable RBCs from hES/iPS cells. Nevertheless, a number of challenges must be overcome before the clinical usage of hES/iPS cell-derived RBCs can become a reality.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Stem Cell Processing, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan

    Yasuhiro Ebihara, Feng Ma & Kohichiro Tsuji

  2. Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan

    Yasuhiro Ebihara & Kohichiro Tsuji

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  1. Yasuhiro Ebihara
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Correspondence to Kohichiro Tsuji.

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Ebihara, Y., Ma, F. & Tsuji, K. Generation of red blood cells from human embryonic/induced pluripotent stem cells for blood transfusion. Int J Hematol 95, 610–616 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-012-1107-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-012-1107-9

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