Differentiation Potential of O Bombay Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Fetal Erythroid-Like Cells

OBJECTIVE: There is constant difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of blood components, as well as disappointing performance of "universal" red blood cells. Advances in somatic cell reprogramming of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have provided a valuable alternative source to differentiate into any desired cell type as a therapeutic promise to cure many human disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, we examined the erythroid differentiation potential of normal Bombay hiPSCs (B-hiPSCs) and compared results to human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. Because of lacking ABO blood group expression in B-hiPSCs, it has been highlighted as a valuable source to produce any cell type in vitro. RESULTS: Similar to hESC lines, hemangioblasts derived from B-hiPSCs expressed approximately 9% KDR(+)CD31(+) and approximately 5% CD31(+)CD34(+). In semisolid media, iPSC and hESC-derived hemangioblast formed mixed type of hematopoietic colony. In mixed colonies, erythroid progenitors were capable to express CD71(+)GPA(+)HbF(+) and accompanied by endothelial cells differentiation. CONCLUSION: Finally, iPS and ES cells have been directly induced to erythropoiesis without hemangioblast formation that produced CD71(+)HbF(+) erythroid cells. Although we observed some variations in the efficiency of hematopoietic differentiation between iPSC and ES cells, the pattern of differentiation was similar among all three tested lines.