Scientists Build First Fully Human Bone Marrow Model for Cancer Research
Scientists have created the first fully human model of bone marrow that mimics its complex structure. The breakthrough comes from researchers at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, who developed a system called eVON. This new model could transform how blood cancers are studied and treated.
Bone marrow, a non-uniform tissue made up of specialized areas, including the endosteal niche, plays a vital role in blood production and cancer resistance. Until now, no human model existed that included all the cellular components of this skeleton.
The team, led by Prof. Dr. Ivan Martin and Dr. Andrés García García, built the engineered vascularized osteoblastic niche (eVON) using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Their findings were published in Cell Stem Cell. The model replicates key features of natural bone marrow, helping maintain and regulate blood-forming stem cells.
Unlike earlier versions, the eVON system is larger—measuring 8 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick—and can sustain human blood formation for several weeks. It can also be reliably produced from at least three different hiPSC lines in a fully human, chemically defined environment.
Previous attempts to create human organoids struggled with uniformity, durability, and reproducibility. The eVON model overcomes these challenges, offering a more accurate tool for disease modelling and drug testing.
The eVON model provides a new way to study blood formation and test treatments for blood cancers. It could reduce reliance on animal experiments and open doors for personalized therapies. Researchers believe it will improve both drug development and cancer research in the years ahead.
