Harnessing Stem Cells for Blood Transfusions

SUMMARY: Researchers will investigate the use of pluripotent stem cells to generate red blood cells suitable for transfusion.

THE PROBLEM:Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are a vital treatment for animals suffering from severe anemia. In veterinary medicine, we currently depend on healthy cat donors for blood, as most veterinary hospitals lack established blood banks. However, securing a steady supply of blood donors, especially from cats, is a significant challenge. Cats are small animals and cannot provide large quantities of blood, making it difficult to meet the demand for transfusions. New solutions are urgently needed.

THE PROJECT: To address this, the team will develop a stable, alternative source of blood. One promising approach is to generate RBCs from stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), have the remarkable ability to multiply indefinitely and differentiate into various specialized cell types, including RBCs. These unique properties make PSCs a highly attractive option for creating a sustainable blood supply without relying on donor cats. Although the creation of feline PSCs had long been an obstacle in this field, this year, the team successfully generated feline PSCs for the first time in the world. In this study, they’ll explore how to create RBCs from these feline PSCs, which could be a groundbreaking step toward ensuring a stable and reliable source of blood for much needed transfusions. 

POTENTIAL IMPACT: This research could lay the foundation for revolutionary advancements in veterinary medicine and lead to innovative solutions that meet the growing demand for animal blood transfusions.