Scientists from the CSIRO and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells. This method is less invasive and results in fewer side effects for donors.

Currently, Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) donors have to take drugs that increase the availability of stem cells in their blood stream. These drugs can have some side effects including bone pain and spleen enlargement. This new method for harvesting stem cells does not require the donor to take these drugs.

This new research was published in the journal Nature Communications. This innovative method for harvesting stem cells involves the use of two molecules, called BOP and AMD3100. When these molecules are present in the blood stream, HSCs are encouraged to proliferate and enter the blood stream.

It is a much faster process than the drugs that are currently in use, which have to be administered days before the donation of stem cells. The new method of harvesting stem cells allows for stem cells to be obtained within 1 hour of receiving the molecules.

The AMD3100 molecule has been used to encourage stem cell proliferation in the past. However, in conjunction with BOP it becomes much more effective.

HSCs are blood cell forming stem cells that are commonly used to treat cancer, immune system disorders and blood disorders. By reducing the side effects associated with stem cell donation, researchers believe more people will be interested in becoming donors.

The researchers will now test how effective the BOP molecule is when used in conjunction with traditional growth factor drugs. They will compare those results against the BOP/AMD3100 combination to determine which is the most effective for certain applications.

Source: New Method Of Harvesting Stem Cells Better For Donors

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