Red blood cell and platelet research
Majority of the FRCBS turnover comes from the sales of blood products, hence, studies on red cells and platelets and on blood products derived from these cells are natural part in the Blood Service R&D portfolio.
We are currently focusing on blood cell derived extra cellular vesicles (EVs), with two major questions: can EVs used as efficient and safe drug vehicles (EVE-project) and is there demand for commercial blood cell derived EV product. The aims of the large collaborative EVE project, lead by Dr Saara Laitinen of the Blood Service, are described in EV Ecosystem site.
Whole blood product may be an option in some emergency and military situations. We are studying the effects of the whole blood product in patient care and developing the product for clinical use. The project is lead by Dr Jouni Lauronen, MD.
Collaborators in EV studies
Pia Siljander, PhD, Assoc. Prof, University of Helsinki, Department of Biosciences, Division of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, EV Group
Marjo Yliperttula, Professor, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Centre for Drug Research
Maija Puhka, PhD, University of Helsinki, Department of Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)
Key Publications in EV studies
Yáñez-Mó M, et al. Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions. J Extracell Vesicles. 2015;4:27066. PMID: 25979354
Aatonen MT, et al. Isolation and characterization of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles. J Extracell Vesicles. 2014;3:10.3402/jev.v3.24692. PMID: 25147646
Collaborators in the Whole Blood Study
Minna Ilmakunnas, MD, PhD, UH, HUS
Lauri Handolin, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof, UH, HUS
Sanna Susila, MD, PhD, Päijät-Hämeen hyvinvointikuntayhtymä
Timo Jama, MD, Päijät-Hämeen hyvinvointikuntayhtymä