Researchers identify stem cell population as source of engraftment

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and colleagues have identified a distinct subset of stem cells identified by a specific cell surface marker expression signature that can fully repopulate all hematopoietic cells after transplantation. In a paper published in Science Translational Medicine, the authors suggest these hematopoietic stem cells could improve bone marrow transplantation and be used for more efficient gene editing and gene therapies.

Currently, hematopoietic stem cells derived from bone marrow that are used for transplantation and gene therapy are distinguished using a single cell surface marker -- CD34+. In addition, scientists thought different phenotypes of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) contributed to successive waves of hematopoietic reconstitution, whereby certain progenitor cells provided short-term recovery and HSCs provided long-term blood cell production...