AMES, Iowa (WHO-TV) — Researchers at Iowa State University have found a possible way to create blood stem cells, which could potentially eliminate the need for bone marrow transplants. Blood stem cells are only produced once in our lifetime during the embryonic stage, according to Raquel Espin-Palazon, PhD., who led this research at ISU. She said that these blood stem cells stay in our bone marrow for life.

Her team discovered that a microbial sensor that helps identify and block bacterial infections also plays a role in creating blood stem cells. Meaning, their discovery can allow for a way to create human-derived blood stem cells inside the lab. Their research was published in Nature Communications.This discovery is important, particularly for people with blood disorders, like leukemia. Typically, these patients receive bone marrow transplants as a treatment to get blood stem cells.

However, there are complications to this procedure. First, it can be difficult to find a match. Recipients of the transplant can also develop graft-versus-host disease, a condition where the donor’s bone marrow or stem cells attack the recipient. Espin-Palazon said this disease results in 50 to 60% of bone marrow transplants. Therefore, her research brings experts one step closer to having human-derived blood stem cells, which can help in treating blood disorders.

Espin-Palazon told WHO-TV, “We are not there yet, and that’s why we are working towards having that knowledge, how nature makes our blood stem cells. Okay, now we know what to activate, let’s do it in the dish, and let’s make our own blood stem cells for those people who need those.” The research team has another paper currently under review, and it helps further their research. Espin-Palazon said she’s hoping to see a cure for blood disorders by using a patient’s own blood stem cells within her lifetime.