New insight that 'mega' cells control the growth of blood-producing cells

(Stowers Institute for Medical Research) While megakaryocytes are best known for producing platelets that heal wounds, these 'mega' cells found in bone marrow also play a critical role in regulating stem cells according to new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. In fact, hematopoietic stem cells differentiate to generate megakaryocytes in bone marrow. The Stowers study is the first to show that hematopoietic stem cells (the parent cells) can be directly controlled by their ...