Potential for Clinical Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Haemopoietic Stem Cells Using Non-Haemopoietic Factor Supplements

Authors: Hutton, Jonathon F.; D'Andrea, Richard J.; Lewis, Ian D.

Source: Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Volume 2, Number 3, September 2007 , pp. 229-237(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

The establishment of culture systems that promote haemopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and expansion ex vivo will increase the clinical potential of umbilical cord blood (CB) HSC transplantation. Studies defining key signalling pathways that regulate development and expansion of HSC in vivo have greatly facilitated development of protocols for expanding HSC in ex vivo culture. Recently a number of soluble factors with novel stem cell expansion activity have been identified as part of pathways associated with mesodermal induction, or as factors produced by supportive stroma. These have been reported to support, to varying degrees, HSC self-renewal under in vitro conditions. Here we review the activities of these new factors and consider their future potential as components in ex vivo expansion culture for CB HSC. Finally we discuss the challenges associated with applying these factors to clinically relevant culture systems.

Keywords: Cord blood; haemopoietic stem cells; ex vivo expansion; growth factors; stem cell transplantation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157488807781696221

Publication date: 2007-09-01

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Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy publishes frontier reviews on all aspects of basic research on stem cells and their uses in clinical therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles in the field. The journal is essential reading for all researchers and clinicians involved in stem cells.