DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Leukemia

Research Abstract

Our laboratory focuses on developmental hematopoiesis as a key to uncovering general principles of stem cell function, self-renewal and tissue regeneration. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to each of the blood lineages found in the adult vertebrate; the gene programs regulating HSC development and homeostasis are highly evolutionarily conserved. Dysregulated hematopoiesis can result in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia. We use chemical biology and genetic methods in zebrafish to identify and integrate pathways regulating hematopoietic niche formation, stem cell induction, and function. We also seek to understand how environmental insults alter stem cell production, self-renewal and differentiation. To investigate conservation of regulatory effect and translational application, we utilize murine HSC regeneration assays and xenograft models.We have an active translational research program, with an associated FDA-approved clinical trial currently ongoing at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Publications

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