In Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, in 2025, a breakthrough in hematology emerged. Dr. Julia Gutjahr, from the Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology Thurgau (BITG), identified CXCL12 as a crucial molecular signal. This signal triggers the expulsion of the nucleus from erythroblasts, a vital step in creating red blood cells.
This discovery could revolutionize how we produce red blood cells. It opens doors to large-scale artificial blood production, a significant advancement for medical applications. The BITG, a Swiss research institution affiliated with the University of Konstanz, focuses on application-oriented basic research.
Dr. Gutjahr's research, published in Science Signaling, builds on previous studies. These studies explored erythroblast enucleation mechanisms, including the role of chemokines like CXCL12. This finding not only deepens our understanding of red blood cell development but also offers new possibilities in medicine.