Gene Discovered In Human Stem Cells May Benefit Transplant Patients (5/3/2007)

Oxford scientists have for the first time revealed a link between a gene and the activity of human stem cells, giving hope that stem cell transplant success for blood cancer patients may be significantly improved.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, a Leukaemia Research-funded consultant haematologist based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, has found that the gene Nephroblastoma Overexpressed (known as Nov) plays a key role in regulating the production of blood from stem cells. The work, which was carried out in the MRC Molecular Haematology Unit at Oxford University, is published in the journal Science on 27 April 2007.

Stem cells are vital for normal blood production and are used in transplants in patients with leukaemia and other blood cancers.

Dr Gupta said: "The Nov gene makes a type of protein similar to a hormone. Such molecules often play important biological roles, and so four years ago when we first found that the gene was active in blood cells, including stem cells, we decided to study it in more detail.

"Switching off the Nov gene reduces stem cell activity and the production of blood cells falls. Conversely, when we added Nov protein to stem cells we increased the production of blood cells. This implies that the gene plays a key role in the regulation of blood production from stem cells."

Professor Tariq Enver, who leads the team at the MRC Molecular Haematology Unit at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, said: "Of course genes never work alone, and the next step of our work will focus on identifying the genetic pathway through which Nov works – or in other words, finding out who Nov"s friends are. Once these interactions have been established and we know whether Nov is the best gene to work with, we will be another step closer to devising better therapies for leukaemia patients.

"It is hoped that the discovery may in the future lead to Nov or a related gene playing a clinical role in stem cell transplants, particularly in the context of cord blood. Cord blood donations contain sufficient numbers of stem cells to treat children, but single donations are generally not enough for use in adults. We are actively pursuing whether Nov can amplify stem cells in cord blood. If so, cord blood could potentially be used more widely for the treatment of adult patients."

Dr Gupta added: "Nov and related genes certainly show great potential to play a role in future improvements for cancer patients treated with stem cell-based therapies, such as bone marrow transplants. We are actively working to transfer our laboratory work to the bedside."

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Oxford

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