Articles tagged with Erythrocytes
Two studies by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers propose new treatments for beta-thalassemia, HFE-related hemochromatosis, and polycythemia vera. The discovery reveals a crucial role of macrophages in regulating iron production and red blood cell production, offering new avenues for therapy.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont and France has discovered the tiny protein SMIM1, which causes the rare 'Vel-negative' blood type. This breakthrough allows for fast DNA-based tests to identify Vel-negative individuals, enabling them to receive life-saving transusions.
Researchers have found that macrophages help produce and eliminate red blood cells, which could lead to novel therapies for diseases affecting red blood cell balance. The study also showed that eliminating certain macrophages can normalize abnormal red blood cell counts in conditions like polycythemia vera.
A team of EPFL researchers has identified a key step in the manufacture of red blood cells, revealing the subtle regulatory mechanisms that direct their birth. The discovery highlights the importance of mitophagy, the elimination of mitochondrial respiratory apparatus, and its modulation by KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins and KAP1.
A study of hospital patients found that transfusing donated blood more than three weeks old impairs blood vessel function, a mechanism linked to nitric oxide deficiency. The results suggest that older blood may be detrimental to patient health, particularly in cardiovascular surgery or critical care scenarios.
Researchers found that red blood cells in blood stored longer than three weeks gradually lose their flexibility to deliver oxygen-rich cells. The study's findings suggest that the current practice of transfusing blood stored up to six weeks may need reconsideration.
Researchers discover that tranylcypromine can reverse the effects of sickle cell disease in mice and human red blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for the life-threatening condition, which causes misshapen red blood cells to cause vascular damage and premature death.
Researchers at University of Michigan discover that nanoparticles have an Achilles heel - they can't escape the bloodstream to reach diseased tissue. However, larger microspheres can be used as drug carriers, ferrying nanospheres to vessel walls or using different shapes to evade red blood cells.
Researchers have found a novel approach to treating hypoxic solid tumors by using sickle-shaped red blood cells to target and destroy tumor cells and surrounding blood vessels. The sickle cells' unique properties allow them to block tumor blood supply and release toxic residues that promote tumor cell death.
Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation, shedding light on the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in controlling the size and number of red blood cells. This discovery may lead to new insights into the genetics of anaemia and potential treatments.
Scientists at the University of Georgia and Harvard Medical School have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. The study found that a deficiency in this gene leads to severe anemia, which promises to advance our understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases.
Researchers at Drexel University identified the physical forces in red blood cells and blood vessels underlying the symptoms of sickle cell disease. They found that rigid sickle cells do not get stuck in narrow capillaries, but instead cause partial obstructions in wider vessels.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how abnormal red blood cells disrupt circulation in sickle cell disease. The study found that hemoglobin abnormalities play a crucial role in occluding vessels, highlighting potential targets for new treatment strategies.
A randomized controlled trial of 377 premature infants found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between fresh and standard red blood cell transfusions. The study suggests that prolonged RBC storage may not have as great an impact on neonatal illness and death as previously thought.
When the malaria parasite infects human red blood cells, it launches a 48-hour remodeling process that enhances cell membrane stiffness through the RESA protein. This increased rigidity impairs microcirculation, especially at fever temperatures.
Researchers identified protein cyclin D3 as regulating RBC production, affecting size and quantity. The protein's role was confirmed through experiments on mouse and human cells, shedding light on the control of RBC characteristics.
Duke scientists discovered that genetic material in red blood cells can alter parasite activity via novel gene regulation mechanisms. This finding could lead to greater understanding of host-parasite interaction and eventually develop into a new malaria therapy.
Researchers from Jena University used Einstein's equation to calculate the optimal value of hematocrit, finding that it is around 40% in humans and many other vertebrates. This value may explain why similar levels of hemoglobin are found across species.
Queen's University has received a $2 million donation from RBC to support the new RBC Queen's University Water Initiative. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of industrial development and agriculture on watershed health and water supplies through research, education, and hands-on training.
The study used proteomic techniques to analyze the effects of grafted methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) on plasma protein adsorption. Results showed that the polymer-mediated surface camouflage prevented immune recognition signals, enhancing biocompatibility and reducing alloimmunization.
Researchers at MIT and NUS have developed a microfluidic system that uses natural margination to separate red blood cells from unwanted cellular components. The system demonstrates highly efficient removal of bacteria and inflammatory cells, with potential applications in treating sepsis.
Researchers from UCLA created a crowd-sourced online gaming system where players distinguish malaria-infected red blood cells from healthy ones, achieving accuracy within 1.25% of medical professionals. The platform has potential to overcome limitations in malaria diagnosis, affecting 210 million people annually.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) has awarded ten young investigators for their groundbreaking research in the field of biomedical sciences. The awardees include Jie Xie and Zachary Berwick from Indiana University, who investigated human adipose-derived stem cells and coronary microvascular dysfunction respectively.
The American College of Physicians' AABB recommends a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy for stable adults and children, with evidence showing no difference in mortality or hospital stay between liberal and restrictive approaches. The guideline suggests considering transfusion at a hemoglobin threshold of 7-8 g/dL.
A defect in the transport system of red blood cells leads to DNA chaos due to a lack of regulation by the Codanin-1 protein. This affects the development of red blood cells and highlights the importance of histone structure and gene regulation.
A UBC researcher has developed a 'lab on a chip' device to measure red blood cell deformability caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a key step in treating malaria. The device enables precise measurement of stiffening red cells at various stages of infection.
Researchers found that red blood cell transfusion decreased physical fatigue in women with acute postpartum anemia, but the effect was small. The study, which included over 50 Dutch hospitals, showed that expectant management without transfusion is a preferred approach.
Research reveals severe anemia in stroke patients can lead to a higher risk of death, with patients experiencing increased mortality rates after six to twelve months. Anemia is measured by hematocrit levels, and moderate to mild cases also show elevated mortality risks.
A study by researchers from Walter and Eliza Hall Institute reveals that progenitor cells can develop into both megakaryocytes and red blood cells, rewriting the 'map' of blood cell production. The discovery has wide-ranging implications for understanding blood diseases and developing new treatments.
A study of 100 intubated patients found no significant differences in pulmonary gas exchange, immunologic status, or coagulation status between fresh and standard-issue red blood cells. The findings challenge previous observational studies linking RBC storage duration to respiratory complications.
The FDA has revised labeling guidelines for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) drugs in chronic kidney disease patients. These updates aim to minimize the risk of heart-related problems, but critics argue that they may be too conservative and not tailored to individual patient needs.
Researchers discovered a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that prevents programmed cell death in maturing red blood cells, a process linked to leukemias and cancers. This lncRNA may represent a new avenue of attack for therapeutics.
Researchers discovered that a degradation product of defective hemoglobin blocks the establishment of a trafficking system used by the malaria parasite, preventing circulatory disorders and neurological complications. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism behind the protective effect of sickle-cell anemia against...
Researchers have discovered a single receptor essential for the malaria parasite to invade human red blood cells, offering a promising new focus for vaccine development. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of an effective malaria vaccine that targets this universal entry pathway.
Researchers have discovered a key trigger for producing normal red blood cells that could lead to a new treatment for those with sickle cell disease. Increasing the expression of proteins TR2 and TR4 more than doubled the level of fetal hemoglobin produced in sickle cell mice, reducing organ damage.
Using Fourier Transform Light Scattering (FTLS), the UIUC team analyzed light scattering patterns from RBCs to identify healthy cell signatures. The Born approximation model enabled accurate detection of misshapen cells in just a few seconds.
Researchers have discovered that hemoglobin interacts with HbA1 within living red blood cells, affecting the condition of patients with thalassemia and other diseases. The study also found a positive correlation between blood sugar levels and multiband re-release of Hbs from RBCs in diabetic individuals.
A study by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that deactivating the BCL11A protein can correct sickle cell disease in mice by activating fetal hemoglobin. The findings provide strong evidence that BCL11A could be a powerful treatment target for sickle cell disease and related blood disorders.
Researchers have corrected sickle cell disease in adult mice by activating the production of fetal hemoglobin, a protein that reduces the tendency of sickle hemoglobin to change red blood cells. This approach builds upon earlier studies and offers a new target for future therapies.
Researchers suggest that transfusion may not be the best treatment for hospitalized patients with anemia, as the age of stored blood may contribute to negative effects. Studies found that transfusions do not always restore levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid mediator required for maintaining blood vessel integrity.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have corrected the genetic alteration causing sickle cell disease by using a patient's own stem cells. The team found four working iPS cell lines containing correct copies of the hemoglobin gene and successfully converted them into immature red blood cells.
For the first time, researchers have successfully injected cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) created from human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into a human donor. The cRBCs were capable of progressing through the full maturation process and demonstrated survival rates comparable to conventional native red blood cells.
A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell found that low doses of erythropoietin (EPO) may reduce the risk of heart failure associated with some anticancer therapies. EPO was shown to bind to cardiac stem cells and restore their ability to form new blood vessels, preserving cardiac function.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that donated red blood cells lose their key feature to diminish lifesaving power with storage time. This loss can lead to complications in critically ill patients, prompting a search for ways to optimize transfusion benefits and extend stored blood's shelf life.
A team of researchers has discovered that stored transfusion blood can accumulate 'free' hemoglobin and microparticles that react quickly with nitric oxide, leading to blood vessel constriction and hypertension. The findings suggest that a new approach to blood storage may be necessary to prevent complications.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to disguise nanoparticles as red blood cells, allowing them to evade the immune system and deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumors. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized drug delivery, reducing the risk of immune response.
Researchers have discovered the genetic basis for a key parasite function in malaria, revealing that parasites create feeding ion channels in blood cells using two distinct genes. This finding opens up new research directions, including the development of antimalarial drugs targeting these channels.
New research provides evidence for the significant differences between new and old red blood cells used for transfusions. The study found that older red blood cells have undergone 'significant changes and damage', compromising their cell membrane integrity, making them not useful for transfusions.
The use of stored red cells during transfusions may cause adverse effects in patients due to impaired oxygen delivery. Researchers are exploring the impact of stored blood on respiratory gases to improve blood storage methods and mitigate patient risks.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a universal blood product that can be transfused without matching the donor and recipient's blood types. This new approach uses immunocamouflage to hide blood cells from antibodies, allowing for a reduced risk of fatal immune reactions.
Scientists have identified a 24-hour internal clock in red blood cells, which works independently of DNA and gene activity. This discovery sheds light on the ancient mechanism that controls daily and seasonal activities across all living organisms.
Research reveals erythropoietin (EPO) has contrasting influences on infectious and inflammatory diseases. EPO reduces the ability of the immune system to fight off systemic infections but decreases inflammation in non-infectious conditions.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have developed particles that closely mirror key properties of red blood cells, potentially paving the way for synthetic blood. The new discovery has also shown promise in treating life-threatening medical conditions like cancer.
Researchers have identified a new drug class that can enhance red blood cell production in anemic patients, potentially treating Diamond-Blackfan anemia and other conditions. The discovery was made by determining how corticosteroids act to increase the production of red blood cell progenitors.
Researchers found that people with higher levels of folate in their red blood cells were more likely to have two tumor-suppressing genes shut down by methylation. Folate supplementation may lead to increased DNA methylation, potentially increasing the risk of diseases including cancer and other aging-related conditions.
Malaria-infected red blood cells stiffen up to 50 times more than healthy ones, blocking capillaries and impeding nutrient and oxygen delivery. This deformation changes blood viscosity and flow, potentially leading to severe organ damage.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University can predict the risk of anemia in individuals. The model reflects how red blood cells change in size and hemoglobin content during their four-month lifespan, allowing for early detection of iron-deficiency anemia.
Researchers have identified markers associated with breast cancer outcomes and found a protein linked to tumor spread. Additionally, a new therapeutic target for tumor suppression has been discovered, while gene therapy shows promise for improving wound healing in diabetic patients.
Dr. Karine Le Roch is investigating how malaria parasite multiplies in red blood cells using a $1.7 million NIH grant. The goal is to develop more effective strategies against this devastating disease, with potential new drug strategies also being explored.
The Georgia Tech-led Nanomedicine Center plans to pursue a clinically viable gene correction technology for single-gene disorders, including sickle cell disease. The team aims to deliver engineered zinc finger nucleases and DNA correction templates into hematopoietic stem cells to produce healthy red blood cells.