UCCRC Research Program Two

Molecular Genetics and Hematopoiesis

Program Leaders:  Wendy Stock, MD, and Michael Thirman, MD

Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of hematological malignant diseases has led to the identification of many genes that are involved in normal hematopoiesis, as well as in the pathogenesis of leukemias and lymphomas. Members of this program have had major roles in these efforts over the past 30 years. The identification of the genetic pathways leading to hematological malignant diseases has important biological implications, as well as ramifications for diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

The Molecular Genetics and Hematopoiesis Program is comprised of a tightly-integrated group of 27 members from four academic departments who are linked by common research themes.  The primary research goals of the investigators in the Program are:

    • to investigate mechanisms of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and to elucidate pathogenetic pathways in hematologic cancers through the study of recurring chromosomal and molecular genetic aberrations in human leukemias and lymphomas;
    • to generate and analyze model systems to dissect the functions of genes that are critical to normal hematopoiesis and to the development of hematopoietic diseases; and
    • to translate these insights into the design of novel risk-adapted clinical trials.

In recent years, this basic research has begun to be translated into novel molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches for hematological malignancies.

Program Highlights 2008

 

 

 

Program 1
Cell Signaling and Gene Regulation
Program Leaders: Marsha Rosner, PhD and Suzanne Conzen, MD

Program 2
Molecular Genetics and Hematopoiesis
Program Leaders: Wendy Stock, MD and Michael Thirman, MD

Program 3
Immunology and Cancer
Program Leader: Thomas F. Gajewski, MD, PhD

Program 4
Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
Program Leaders: Everett E. Vokes, MD and M. Eileen Dolan, PhD

Program 5
Advanced Imaging
Program Leaders: Greg Karczmar, PhD and Heber MacMahon, MD

Program 6
Cancer Risk and Prevention
Program Leaders: Brian Chiu, PhD and Andrea King, PhD