3D Scaffolds For Mesoderm Differentiation
SUMMARY
Researchers led by Benjamin Wu from the Departments of Bioengineering and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine have developed an implantable scaffolding that can create hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells in vivo.
BACKGROUND
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) produce all cell types of the blood, including immune cells, and can be found in the blood and bone marrow. Transplantation of HSC’s from healthy donors can treat a variety of diseases that include: leukemia, sickle cell disease, organ rejection, and autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, lupus). Mismatches between donor and recipient can cause an autoimmune response that require hospitalization and can be fatal. To circumvent this problem, the patient’s own pluripotent stem cells (PSC) can be used to create HSC’s. However, this has only been done in a dish with poor results. HSC’s created this way do not proliferate very well and the engraftment does not integrate with the patient’s body very well.
INNOVATION
Researchers led by Benjamin Wu from the Departments of Bioengineering and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine have developed an implantable scaffolding that can create hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells in vivo. Current in vitro approaches lack the microenvironment and timing of complex signals, especially mechanical signals due to blood flow, to produce stable HSC’s. A proof of concept study has shown that HSC’s can be derived in vivo by tumors that developed from PSC’s. These bioengineers have improved on this concept by using specialized PSC’s that do not have the potential to form tumors and have seeded them onto an implantable 3D scaffold. These scaffolds can be 3D printed with unique shapes and biomaterials to tailor fit the needs of the individual patient. Preliminary data has shown that this approach can produce stable HSC’s without the risks that stem from donor transplantation and with greater efficiency than current in vitro approaches.
APPLICATIONS
- Treatment of blood disorders like leukemia and sickle cell disease
- Treatment of immune diseases (lupus, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes)
- Treatment of organ transplant rejections
ADVANTAGES
- In vivo approach allows for stronger and more natural HSC production and integration
- Use of patient’s own stem cells prevent donor-recipient mismatches and complications
- 3D scaffolding can be customizable to the patient and his or her condition