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Glow-in-the-dark stem cells

2 September 2009

Human embryonic stem cells modified to glow red when the stem cells become red blood cells.

Monash stem cell scientists have modified a human embryonic stem cell line so that it glows red when the stem cells become red blood cells.

The modified stem cell line represents a major step towards generating mature, fully functional red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells.

The team led by Professors Andrew Elefanty and Ed Stanley from the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories includes scientists from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

The work will help scientists track the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into red blood cells.

Whilst stem cells have the potential to turn into any cell type in the body, it remains a scientific challenge to reliably turn these stem cells into specific cell types such as red blood cells.

The development of the modified embryonic stem cell line, which fluoresces red when haemoglobin genes are switched on, is an important development that will help researchers to optimise the conditions that generate these cells.

"Not only will the modified stem cell line lead to more efficient creation of red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells, but these cells are a crucial tool for monitoring the behaviour of the cells when transplanted into animal models," Professor Andrew Elefanty said.

Scientific Director of the Australian Stem Cell Centre Professor Joe Sambrook said the work was significant.

The research is funded by the Australian Stem Cell Centre.