Glasgow scientists develop first bone marrow model to support human stem cells

LT-HSCs replenish blood cells after treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia

Scientists at the University of Glasgow have developed the first bioengineered bone marrow model that supports human stem cells, which are crucial for bone marrow transplants and in vitro studies.

Published in Nature Communications, the new model replicates key aspects of the human bone marrow microenvironment to support rare long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs).

Leukemia is estimated to be responsible for more than 300,000 deaths worldwide each year. It is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found inside some bones where the body produces blood cells.

LT-HSCs are a type of cell that can replenish blood cells after treatment for blood cancers, such as leukemia. However, due to culture challenges, researchers often rely on non-human animal models to test drugs that may have effects on blood cell production and target blood diseases.

“Currently used animal models are poor predictors of drug outcomes, and many of the available treatments for blood diseases – such as mRNA drugs and human-specific small molecules – do not perform well in animal models,” explained Matt Dalby, professor of cellular engineering and director of innovation, engagement and entrepreneurship at the University of Glasgow’s School of Molecular Biosciences.

With support from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, as part of its major investment in UK leukaemia research, scientists have grown LT-HSCs outside the body in gelatinous gels, demonstrating that gene editing of LT-HSCs in the body is possible.

The findings offer a potential new way to test new drugs or techniques to treat blood diseases, including sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects more than 20 million people worldwide, and blood cancers, while reducing reliance on animal models.

Dr Hannah Donnelly, lead researcher on the study from the University of Glasgow, commented: “Here we have shown that by using gels designed to mimic the environment in which they reside in the bone marrow, we can support and study (LT-HSCs) in the lab, making the most of their clinical potential.”