Investigation Of Haematopoietic And Leukemia Stem Cell Self-renewal.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
The blood stem cell properties of self-renewal and multipotency allows for the constant replenishment of all blood components. Blood cancer stem cells use self-renewal to propagate disease, and can enter a quiescent-dormant phase to evade treatment. My research focuses on the identification and mechanisms of new genes that govern these unique blood stem cell properties, and to investigate whether these genes are also important in blood cancers.
Endocytosis And Asymmetric Cell Division In Leukemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,258.00
Summary
Self-renewal allows normal haematopoeitic stem cells to constantly replenish the blood system. Conversely, leukemia stem cells use self-renewal to propagate the disease, and utilise the quiescence phase to evade treatment eradication. We identified that the endocytic gene, Ap2a2 enhances haematopoeitic stem cell self-renewal. Through Ap2a2, we are now investigating the role of endocytosis and self-renewal in leukemia and ex vivo expansion of human haematopoietic stem cells.
Cell Cycle Regulation, Haemopoietic Stem Cells And Myeloproliferation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,138.00
Summary
My research has focused on understanding how the process of cell division can result in different outcomes for adult blood stem cells. I am interested in determining the role of bone and blood vessels in the regulation of blood stem cells and in the development of blood diseases (myeloprolifertive disease). I will also determine the effects of changing the cell cycle with drugs to improve transplantation of blood stem cells.
The Role Of Ap2a2 In Self-renewal Of Haematopoietic And Leukemic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,171.00
Summary
The daily replenishment of the blood system is dependent on the blood stem cell. A unique property of these stem cells is self-renewal where the stem cell function is preserved, whilst other daughter cells continue to divide. Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell self-renewal. This work has potential clinical application on at least two levels: expansion of stem cells for transplantation, and for attacking abnormal cancer cell self-renewal pathways.
Role Of The Hypoxia-inducible Transcription Factor HIF-1a In Controlling Haematopoietic Stem Cell Fate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) and make all immune and blood cells. We have found that, in the areas of the BM where HSC normally live, the level of oxygen is very low (hypoxia) and decreases even further when HSC are forced to move into the blood in order to be collected for transplantation. This project is to better understand how oxygenation of the BM controls HSC behaviour and properties, and to evaluate its impact on HSC transplantation.
Genetic Fate Mapping Of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Origins And Investigating Their Contribution To Developmental Haematopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,525.00
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells are a population of cells that reside in various organs in the body and are thought to contribute to tissue repair. However little is known about the developmental origins and identity of these cells. I will investigate where these cells originate from, their molecular identity and how they relate to blood development. These findings will help in developing protocols to manipulate these cells to repair damaged organs. This study will also inform current attempts to generat ....Mesenchymal stem cells are a population of cells that reside in various organs in the body and are thought to contribute to tissue repair. However little is known about the developmental origins and identity of these cells. I will investigate where these cells originate from, their molecular identity and how they relate to blood development. These findings will help in developing protocols to manipulate these cells to repair damaged organs. This study will also inform current attempts to generate blood stem cells.Read moreRead less