Frequent Blood Donation Linked to Beneficial Genetic Changes in Blood Stem Cells

New research suggests regular blood donors may develop mutations that enhance blood cell regeneration and potentially lower cancer risk.

A study from the Francis Crick Institute analyzed blood samples from over 200 frequent donors and found beneficial genetic mutations in their blood stem cells.
Frequent donors were more likely to have mutations in the DNMT3A gene, which promoted blood cell regeneration without increasing cancer risk.
Lab experiments showed these mutations allowed stem cells to grow faster in conditions mimicking blood loss, driven by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).
The study also found that these mutations suppressed the growth of potentially cancerous cells in experimental models.
Researchers emphasize the need for further studies with larger and more diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their therapeutic potential.