A potential method of generating hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation by inhibiting CD74.
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) originate in the bone marrow and are the progenitors of all hematopoietic cells. HSCs have the capacity to both self-renew and to differentiate, and they migrate from the bone marrow to the blood upon demand. Since HSCs can differentiate to a variety of cell types, including immune system cells, they have a huge therapeutic potential. Indeed, bone marrow transplantation is a common practice to treat a variety of diseases, such as cancers and autoimmune disorders.
Two key proteins, CD74, a cell surface protein receptor, and the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), its respective agonist, were found to be crucial in the regulation of cell proliferation and survival.
The research team of Prof. Shachar discovered that by manipulating these two proteins they could improve the properties of HSCs. These modified HSCs exhibit increased survival, renewal, and migratory capacities, making the present technology a possible therapeutic tool for patients in need.
Applications and Advantages
Development Status
Prof. Shachar and her team discovered that CD74 and MIF is integral in regulating the maintenance of the HSCs.
Reducing the expression of the proteins leads to induced survival of HSC cells and accumulation of quiescent and proliferating cells. Using a variety of in vitro and in vivo models the team showed that inhibiting CD74 resulted in improved renewal, survival, and motility of HSC.
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WIS is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. It is located in Rehovot, Israel, just south of Tel Aviv. It was initially established as the Daniel Sieff Institute in 1934, by Israel and Rebecca Sieff of London in memory of their son Daniel. In 1949, it was renamed for Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the first President of the State of Israel and Founder of the Institute.
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