A recent study published in Nature revealed a surprising find: chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage production, also generate and utilize haemoglobin, a molecule previously believed to be exclusive to red blood cells (RBCs). Cartilage is a connective tissue serving as an intermediary between bones.
The discovery resulted from a chance observation by a pathologist in China in 2017. While studying growth plates (cartilaginous tissue present at the ends of certain long bones), the pathologist noted spherical structures resembling RBCs. Intriguingly, these structures contained haemoglobin.
Understanding Haemoglobin Bodies or ‘Hedy’
These unusual structures, labeled as ‘haemoglobin bodies’ or ‘Hedy,’ were located within the chondrocytes in the cartilage. It appears that their creation follows a process akin to phase separation, similar to how water separates from oil.
This discovery opens the door to the idea that haemoglobin could play a part in specific joint diseases, given that numerous bone deformities stem from chondrocyte defects.
Haemoglobin and Stem Cells: A Promising Connection
Research conducted in 2018 identified a unique group of stem cells residing in the growth plate. This finding has sparked excitement about potential implications for the role of these stem cells within the growth plate. A particularly tantalizing notion is that the haemoglobin in the growth plate might influence the fate of these stem cells.
Stem cells are essentially the body’s raw materials, the origin of all other specialized-function cells. Given the right conditions, either within the body or a controlled laboratory environment, stem cells divide to create more ‘daughter’ cells.
Uncovering the Significance of Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes
Haemoglobin’s existence within chondrocytes is not just a curious anomaly but essential for the survival of these cartilage-forming cells. In experimental observations, without haemoglobin, the chondrocytes died, leading to embryonic lethality in mice.
The role of haemoglobin in chondrocytes extends beyond mere survival. It aids these cells in handling low oxygen conditions by transporting and storing oxygen within the cells. Haemoglobin acts as an oxygen cache for chondrocytes, releasing oxygen when required. In the absence of haemoglobin, chondrocytes cannot maintain the necessary oxygen levels and consequently perish.
About Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Red Blood Cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, contain the iron-rich protein, haemoglobin, which imparts the distinctive red color to blood. As the most abundant blood cell produced in bone marrows, their primary function is to transport oxygen from and to various tissues and organs.
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
1. With reference to ‘stem cells,’ frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2012)
– Stem cells can only be derived from mammals
– Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs
– Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
– a) 1 and 2 only
– b) 2 and 3 only
– c) 3 only
– d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
2. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021).
