Study finds human blood cell development mirrors 700 million years of evolution

Kyoto University researchers built a deep evolutionary family tree of blood cells by comparing gene expression across species and unicellular organisms.

They conclude that major blood cell types trace back to ancient single-celled ancestors and still follow that developmental pattern today.

The study suggests modern blood and immune cells retain ancient genetic programs, including signals linked to genes such as FOS.

This evolutionary view could help explain the origins of diseases like cancer and guide future research.