In vitro megakaryocyte and platelet production

Commonly used acronym: MK, PLT

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Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
  • Translational - Applied Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Animal derived cells / tissues / organs
Used species
human
Targeted organ system or type of research
blood

Description

Method keywords
  • megakaryocyte
  • platelet
  • bone marrow
  • differentiation
Scientific area keywords
  • thrombocytopenia
  • platelet production
  • megakaryopoiesis
Method description

In vitro differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or inducible pluripotent stem cells (IPS) to megakaryocytes and platelets using specific differentiation conditions (liquid and 3D media). CRISPR/cas mutagenesis of HSC or IPS to study the effect of gene depletion or specific mutants on megakaryopoiesis and the production of platelets.

Lab equipment
  • - Cell culture equipment;
  • - FACS;
  • - Amaxa nucleotransfector;
  • - Cell culture reagents and specific cytokines;
  • - Molecular reagents and technologies.
Method status
  • Still in development
  • Internally validated
  • Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

Reduces the need for producing KO mice or other functional mice studies.

Challenges

Impossible to generate high numbers of platelets that have the same characteristics as blood platelets.

Modifications

Other groups are working on improving the capacity of platelet generation (for transfusion purposes).

References, associated documents and other information

References

PMID: 30467204

PMID: 26936507

Contact person

Kathleen Freson

Organisations

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Cardiovascular Sciences
Belgium
Flemish Region