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bioRxiv · 10.1101/050021

Scalable Production of Human Erythrocytes from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract

In vitro production of erythrocytes in physiologic numbers from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds great promise for improved transfusion medicine and novel cell therapies. We report here, for the first time, a strategy for scalable and xeno-free differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from hiPSCs and subsequent erythrocytes specification, by using stepwise cell culture conditions and by integrating spinner flasks and rocker. This system supported robust and reproducible definitive hematopoietic differentiation of multiple hiPSC lines. We demonstrated an ultra-high yield of up to 4x109 CD235a+ erythrocytes at >98% purity when using a 1-litre spinner flask for suspension culture. Erythrocytes generated from our system can reach a mature stage with red blood cell (RBC) characteristics of enucleation, {beta}-globin protein expression and oxygen-binding ability. The entire process is xeno-free and clinically compliant, allowing future mass production of hiPSC-derived RBCs for transfusion medicine purposes.

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BibTeXRIS

Ying Wang, Yongxing Gao, Chaoxie He, Zhaohui Ye, Sharon Gerecht, Linzhao Cheng. 2016-04-23. Scalable Production of Human Erythrocytes from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. https://doi.org/10.1101/050021

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