Princeton scientists describe genetics of blood stem cells

By sschultz on June 1, 2000, 1:51 p.m.

Princeton scientists have outlined the molecular genetics behind a great mystery of biology: how blood cells replenish themselves. The results - a database of more than 2,000 genes - give biologists their first comprehensive picture of the workings of blood stem cells , the master component of bone marrow that gives rise to all cellular constituents of blood, from red and white cells to platelets.

The data, published in the June 2 issue of Science, offer biologists a powerful tool for understanding diseases of the blood such as leukemias, and also how blood stem cells may better be used therapeutically in transplantation and eventual gene therapy scenarios. The research also may yield insights into other types of stem cells throughout the body, such as those responsible for the production of skin, intestinal cells, and liver tissue.

Contact: Justin Harmon (609) 258-3601

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