As mentioned above, the number of HSCs that can be obtained from living bodies  is extremely small, so in order for the widespread use of HSCs in the medical field, the cells need to be cultured and amplified outside of the body. However, under in vitro culture conditions, HSCs have the problem of differentiating into various types of blood cells as they proliferate.

Focusing on the fact that amino acids are important factors in the maintenance and amplification of undifferentiated HSCs*,  NextGeM succeeded in developing a culture medium that  amplifies HSCs including LT-HSCs while keeping them undifferentiated by adjusting the formulation. It is possible to maintain a higher percentage of myeloid progenitor cell-derived colonies (CFU-GEMM), which are the most undifferentiated cells at present, compared to conventional cell culture media.

In addition, to reduce the risk of immune reaction after transplantation, we are currently developing a culture medium using plant-derived cell growth factors that do not contain animal serum. (Joint research with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation)