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

 

EVE Ecosystem logo.

EV ecosystem

Blood cell derived EVs hold great potential as a new drug delivery vehicle. The EVE ecosystem has been established to promote and translate academic extracellular vesicle (EV) inventions.

Learn about EV Ecosystem