Context
A new study on hematopoietic stem cell transplants sheds light on how transplanted stem cells from donors change after engraftment and mutate over time.
About Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC):
- Stem Cells: (Read more about Stem Cells)
- Body’s raw materials capable of generating cells with specialized functions.
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC):
- Immature cells that develop into all blood cell types: white cells, red cells, and platelets.
- First explored in 1950s for use in humans.
- Found in peripheral blood and bone marrow (also known as blood stem cells).
- Transplant Process:
- Involves transplanting healthy HSCs into patients with dysfunctional or depleted bone marrow. HSCT is critical for treating patients with blood cancers.
- Donated HSCs help restore blood cell production in the recipient.
- Clonal Hematopoiesis
- A condition where one type of blood cell expands disproportionately.
- Examples: Includes conditions like chronic myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Related Articles: Stem Cell Therapy
Key Findings of the Study
- Low Mutation Rates:
- Involved 16 donor-recipient pairs, both showing low annual mutation rates: 2% in donors and 2.6% in recipients.
- Indicates stable clonal expansion of stem cells over decades.
- Clonal Hematopoiesis:
- All donors displayed clonal hematopoiesis (one type of blood cell expanding more than others).
- Absence of widespread clonal expansion suggests a strong bone marrow regenerative capacity.
- Implications
- Improving Transplant Outcomes: Findings are crucial for enhancing long-term HSCT success.
- Potential Risks: Recipients may face risks of blood cancers or chronic diseases due to clonal hematopoiesis.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
