Creating blood stem cells from human stem cells in the lab

A microRNA-mediated approach towards generating functional hematopoietic stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells in vitro

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10810589

This study is working on a way to create blood stem cells in the lab that could be used for transplants, which might help patients with blood disorders get the treatment they need without having to wait for a matching donor.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10810589 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a method for producing transplantable hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in a laboratory setting. By understanding the molecular differences between functional HSCs and those generated in vitro, the researchers will manipulate specific microRNAs to enhance the development of functional blood stem cells. This approach could potentially eliminate the need for patients to wait for a compatible bone marrow donor, providing a more accessible treatment option for various blood disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from blood diseases who require hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Not a fit: Patients with non-hematological conditions or those who do not require stem cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable source of blood stem cells for patients with hematological disorders, significantly improving treatment accessibility.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of generating functional HSCs from PSCs is innovative, preliminary data suggests that similar strategies have shown promise in related research.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.