LARGE SCALE GENERATION OF FUNCTIONAL MEGAKARYOCYTES AND PLATELETS FROM HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS UNDER STROMAL-FREE CONDITIONS

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for differentiating hESCs into homogenized megakaryocyte populations and subsequent functional platelets in a controlled form efficiently.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a method of generating megakaryocytes and platelets. In various embodiments, the method involves the use of human embryonic stem cell derived hemangioblasts for differentiation into megakaryocytes and platelets under serum and stromal-free condition. In this system, hESCs are directed towards megakaryocytes through embryoid body formation and hemangioblast differentiation. Further provided is a method of treating a subject in need of platelet transfusion. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a method for producing platelets, the method comprising providing megakaryocytes (MK) and culturing MK to differentiate them into platelets.SELECTED DRAWING: None