The functional importance of having different types of blood stem cells is not well understood and the mechanisms that regulate them have not been well characterized. Our research program primarily focuses on hematopoietic stem cells in normal development. Detailed knowledge of blood formation and the different stem cell types will increase our fundamental understanding of how hematologic diseases may develop and how they may be treated.
The group is part of the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM).
About our research
To better understand the role of different types of blood stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells, HSCs) in the hematopoietic system, we are studying the molecular, behavioral and functional differences of distinct types of HSCs throughout development. These studies employ a combination of genetic labelling tools, advanced flow cytometry and sequencing techniques.
To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate different types of HSCs we have focused on exploring the epigenetic processes that are important in HSC bias and lineage commitment. Using advanced molecular biology tools and genome editing techniques, as well as genetically modified mouse models we are aiming to identify the critical epigenetic factors determining the functional properties of the HSC subsets.
The long-term goal of our studies is to discover novel factors and associated pathways that are important in development of hematologic diseases and ultimately be of therapeutic and prognostic value.