Regulation of Normal and Malignant Hematopoietic Stem Cell Growth and Selective Targeting of Leukemic Stem Cells

Our laboratory focus is investigation of mechanisms of regulation of normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell growth by the marrow microenvironment and identification of the important cellular and molecular abnormalities underlying abnormal stem and progenitor cell growth in patients with myeloid leukemias. Improved understanding of mechanisms critical to transformation of malignant stem cells is expected to facilitate rational design of novel therapeutic interventions to target the primitive cells in which leukemia originates.

From the clinical translational standpoint, we are interested in the identification and evaluation of molecular targets for selective therapeutic targeting of malignant stem cells in myeloid leukemias; development of strategies for early detection and intervention; and development of improved protocols for stem cell selection, expansion and gene transfer prior to transplantation.