Development of hematopoietic stem cells from human ES and iPS cells
Final Report Abstract
The project aimed at optimizing the differentiation of hES cells into HSCs. To achieve that goal, genes known to be important in early hematopoietic development were overexpressed. Unfortunately, transplantation of differentiated cells did not result in reconstitution of the hematopoietic system in immunodeficient (humanized) mouse models as HSCs would do. The aims of the project were not achieved. In parallel, I was working on human T cell development. In analogy to mouse thymic T cell development, I wanted to define subpopulations to get a more detailed understanding on positive and negative selection pathways in humans. The project got stuck due to very high cell numbers needed for transplantation. Further optimization is necessary in order to continue the project.
