Generation of Megakaryocytes and Platelets from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Methods Mol Biol. 2016:1307:371-8. doi: 10.1007/7651_2013_58.

Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) have the potential to produce any tissue type in the body and thus represent a source of cells for regenerative medicine. Here we have shown that human platelets can be produced from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells in a defined culture system. We describe a serum- and feeder-free culture system that enabled the generation of megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors and functional platelets from hPSCs. After 13 days the differentiated population included precursor cells that formed colonies containing differentiated Mks, and after 20 days these Mks were able to fragment into platelet-like particles that were functional. This protocol represents an important step towards the generation of human platelets for therapeutic use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / cytology*
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Collagen / pharmacology
  • Colony-Forming Units Assay
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Feeder Cells / cytology
  • Feeder Cells / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Hematopoiesis / drug effects
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Megakaryocytes / cytology*
  • Megakaryocytes / drug effects
  • Methylcellulose / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Platelet Activation / drug effects
  • Ploidies
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Methylcellulose
  • Collagen