How blood stem cells choose between self-renewal and making mature blood cells
Defining the molecular basis controlling hematopoietic stem cell symmetric and asymmetric divisions
This work uses new lab methods to understand how bone marrow stem cells decide to copy themselves or make mature blood cells, aiming to help people with blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166595 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will track individual blood-forming stem cells using a new barcoding approach called FATE-seq combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to see how division choices unfold. They will study the role of RNA methylation (m6A) and a protein called NYNRIN, which early results suggest influence whether a stem cell self-renews or commits to making mature blood cells. The project uses high-throughput lab assays and model systems, including human-derived cell models linked to leukemia work, to map molecular programs that control stem cell fate. Findings could identify molecular switches that labs might later target to correct faulty blood production in diseases like anemia or leukemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with blood disorders such as leukemia, bone marrow failure syndromes, or unexplained low blood counts would be most relevant to this research and to any future studies, and may be asked to donate blood or marrow samples.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood or bone marrow are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to restore healthy blood production or correct faulty stem cell behavior in blood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that RNA methylation affects blood stem cell behavior, but combining barcoding with single-cell sequencing to map division outcomes is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Hanzhi — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Luo, Hanzhi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.