Another part of the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is subjected to something exciting: genetic engeneering. With the help of a special technology called CRISPR/Cas9, the genes in the DNA that cause sickle cell anemia and trigger Diamond-Blackfan anemia are repaired. From the moment the genes are repaired, and with the help of the findings in research, the iPSC can theoretically grow into blood stem cells, who in turn can produce regular shaped and healthy blood cells. Currently we are investigating how to stimulate the iPSCs towards growing into blood stem cells, because this has not yet been achieved.
