Understanding how blood stem cells form in the body
Extracellular matrix in vertebrate hematopoietic stem cell specification
This work explores how the body's building blocks, called hematopoietic stem cells, develop to help treat blood diseases like leukemia and sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167752 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on special cells called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to create all types of blood cells throughout our lives. For patients with conditions like leukemia or sickle cell disease, HSC transplants are a vital treatment, and these cells are also key for gene therapy. This project aims to uncover the natural signals that guide HSC formation early in development. By looking closely at the environment where these cells first appear, especially the surrounding support structures, we hope to learn how to better grow or use HSCs for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with blood diseases such as leukemia and sickle cell disease in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved methods for generating healthy blood stem cells, potentially enhancing treatments for various blood disorders and gene therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of the extracellular matrix in HSC development is recognized, this specific focus on its organization and maturation in the embryonic specification niche is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clements, Wilson Kendrick — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Clements, Wilson Kendrick
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.