New way to harvest stem cells

A hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) being mobilised from the bone marrow microenvironment into a blood vessel. Image source: Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Dr Kate Patterson
16 March

Published in Nature Communications: Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells, which is less invasive and reduces side effects for donors.

For bone marrow transplantation, stem cells are routinely harvested from healthy donors and used to treat patients with cancers including leukaemia.

The discovery reduces the time required to obtain adequate numbers of stem cells, without the need for a growth factor.

The method was developed by a team of CSIRO researchers working within CSIRO's manufacturing arm with the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) at Monash.

It combines a newly discovered molecule (known as BOP), with an existing type of molecule (AMD3100) to mobilise the stem cells found in bone marrow out into the blood stream.

The study demonstrates that combining the two molecules directly impacts stem cells so they can be seen in the blood stream within an hour of a single dosage.

Molecular structure for BOP; Image source: CSIRO

Until now AMD3100 has only been effective in increasing stem cell numbers when combined with growth factors that can cause unpleasant side effects like bone pain and spleen enlargement in some donors.

Also, AMD3100 and growth factors needed to be injected days before the harvest of stem cells.

With the new method the procedure could become more efficient and effective, considerably reducing the stress for donors, which in turn benefits patients.

Combining BOP with AMD3100 eliminates the need for the growth factor, and when the harvested cells are transplanted they can replenish the entire bone marrow system - and there are no known side effects.

So far successful pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the treatment.

The next step is a phase 1 clinical trial assessing the combination of BOP molecule with the growth factor, prior to the eventual successful combination of the two small molecules BOP and AMD3100.

Story based on a media release from CSIRO