Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) have found that adding a molecule to blood-forming stem cells can improve the success of stem cell transplants.  A small lipid molecule called Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid (EET) improved the stem cell’s ability to replenish the immune system in tests on animals.

Lead researcher Dr. Leonard Zon, suggests that the discovery may also make it easier to find stem cell matches, saying: “These molecules are able to enhance the transplantability of the marrow.  Our work illustrates that small inflammatory lipids can have prominent effects on stem-cell homing, self renewal, and engraftment”.

The stem cells from bone marrow and umbilical cord blood are commonly used to help repair damaged immune systems and rebuild the body’s ability to generate blood cells.  Unfortunately there are risks associated with stem cell transplants and an estimated 25% of patients do not survive.

HHMI researchers are also looking at ways to improve the process of engraftment — when the transplanted stem cells reach the bone marrow and begin to make new cells.  There is potential for molecules to improve the speed and efficiency of the process.  Dr. Zon’s previous work discovered a compound named prostaglandin E2, that boosts the production capacity of blood-forming cells.

The research team looked at more than 480 compounds to determine their effects on transplantation.  EET was found to activate a signaling pathway that alters the runx gene, which is responsible for regulating blood stem cells.  EETs can also enhance the self-renewal capability of blood-forming stem cells, which will increase the success of stem cell transplants.

Source: Molecule Boosts Blood-Forming Stem Cells

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