Does this word “Musashi-2” mean anything to you? If you suffer from aplastic anemia, it may be the most important phrase you’ll ever learn.
Scientists are very familiar with Musashi-2 and have recognized it as a contributor to an aggressive form of leukemia, but now, research has shown it can help in the formation of red blood cells—which would open the door for more effective treatments for aplastic anemia. Patients with aplastic anemia don’t produce enough red blood cells, and it can lead to increased infections, fatigue, and uncontrolled bleeding.
Current stem cell therapy relies on removing stem cells from umbilical cords, but in many cases, there are not enough stem cells to conduct a successful transplant.
However, Musashi-2, the RNA-binding protein, can direct stem cells to multiply in the umbilical cord; this seemingly measly finding offers hope to thousands of people with a variety of blood disorders who anxiously wait for a stem cell transplant.
To learn more about a clinical trial for aplastic anemia treatment, contact ClinicalTrials.gov.
