In vitro production of platelets for transfusion

About the project

About the Project Group Leader: Professor Cédric Ghevaert ( Ghevaert Group ) Research Summary Hospitals are currently entirely reliant on blood donors for the red cells and platelets transfusion administered to patients who are very anaemic or at high risk of bleeding. Producing these blood cells in the laboratory would take the pressure of the supply chain and would make finding compatible blood for patients with rare blood groups easier. The Ghevaert Group is developing novel methods to produce red cells and platelets from human stem cells by using key "identity switches" and programming the stem cells to become blood cells. This method generates highly pure cell harvest with large quantities of blood cells to the point that they are now setting up clinical trials to assess these cells in human volunteers. Research Focus The main focus of the Ghevaert group’s research is the production of blood cells for human use, namely red cells and platelets. They have developed a particular expertise in the production of these cell types from human pluripotent stem cells using methodologies that are compatible with the production of clinical grade products within the constraints of affordable manufacturing processes. To this end they are combining cellular programming through knowledge and manipulation of transcription factor networks and the creation of 3D biocompatible niches and bioreactors. As a consultant haematologist for the NHS Blood and Transplant (a partner organisation of the University of Cambridge), Cedric has expertise recognised world-wide in carrying out first-in-man studies of manufactured blood cell survival and recovery in human volunteers. The RESTORE trial carried out in partnership with NHSBT, the Clinical Research Facility (Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust) and Guy’s Hospital Radiopharmacy looks at survival of manufactured red cells post-transfusion is due to complete in 2024. To Apply: We encourage prospective PhD students to reach out directly to Professor Ghevaert, cg348@cam.ac.uk to discuss potential projects and supervision. Applicants must secure the support of a Supervisor within a laboratory before submitting an application . Please contact the project Supervisor(s) to discuss potential supervision, proposed research project and funding options, which should then be used to write your formal application. Applications will be submitted to the ' PhD in Stem Cell Biology ' and full course details can be found at https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blscpdscp

Research areas