The latest study shows the molecular processes of the transformation of blood in the human developmental context. Scientists from Lund University in Sweden provided a new understanding of the formation of blood cells from endothelial cells to diverse differential cells.
According to Science Daily, the transition of cells to blood in the embryo initiates as endothelial cells make up the walls of the arteries. During a short time in the development, nascent blood is formed surrounded by few groups of tightly-packed spindle-shaped endothelial cells. The nascent blood detaches and is released to the systemic circulation. The process also includes the dramatic changes in the size and shape of endothelial cells undergoing the transition; from spindle shape to round cells of the blood.
The current study explains on a "molecular level" what happens during the transition of the size and shape of the endothelial cells. The analysis utilized individual cells from an in-vitro model of human blood development known to comprise endothelial cells transforming into the blood. The single molecular analysis revealed new populations of endothelial cells undergoing transition.
The new cell populations revealed diverse repertoire of blood cell types that could be produced, which is very critical in understanding the origin of blood. Different cell types resulted from undifferentiated stages. As reported by Medicine Net, the blood consists of white and red blood cells, platelets, proteins and other elements.
The function of the blood are in two directions; arterial and venous. Arterial blood pertains to the transport of oxygen and nutrients to tissues while venous blood is the means by which carbon dioxide and other by-products are transported to the lungs. The current discovery is a significant step in understanding how the first blood cells are formed including the process of how these blood cells are regulated.
Furthermore, the discovery will open a way to the generation of blood stem cells through in-vitro treatment of blood disorders and malignancies. Niels-Bjarne Woods, the pioneer of the study, is very interested to find out if there are still endothelial cells in adults that can be triggered to produce new blood stem cells.
