How blood flow affects the development of blood stem cells

Mechanisms of Flow-driven Transcriptional Control of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development by YAP

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11061293

This study is looking at how blood flow helps create important blood-making cells, and it's for anyone interested in improving treatments for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061293 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how blood flow influences the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for producing all types of blood cells. The study focuses on understanding the role of a protein called YAP, which is activated by mechanical forces from blood flow. By using zebrafish embryos, researchers will manipulate various physical and genetic factors to see how they affect HSC production. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that support the growth of these vital cells, which could improve treatments for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma who may benefit from stem cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-blood-related conditions or those who do not require stem cell therapy may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for generating healthy blood stem cells for transplantation, offering new hope for patients with blood cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mechanical factors like blood flow are important for stem cell development, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.