Embryonic stem cells have been induced to become bone marrow and blood cells in mice using methods that could eliminate the need for genetically matched human bone marrow donors for people with leukemia, autoimmune diseases and other immune disorders.

By injecting the stem cells into the bone marrow of mice whose marrow cells had been depleted, researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois restored the animals’ blood cells, including cells of the immune system, which normally are created in bone marrow.



If the results can be duplicated in humans, the technique may eventually eliminate the need for genetically matched human bone marrow donors, says researcher Richard Burt.



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