Understanding how blood stem cells interact with their environment

Reprogramming of hematopoietic stem cells during contact with the perivascular niche

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10943341

This study is looking at how special blood-making cells interact with their surrounding environment to grow and move in the body, using zebrafish and mice to help understand this process better, which could eventually lead to better treatments for blood diseases and cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10943341 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and the niche cells that surround them, which are crucial for regulating their function. By using zebrafish and mice as model organisms, the study aims to uncover how these cells migrate and mature through different tissues during development. The researchers will explore the role of specific growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor c (vegfc), in the release and fate determination of HSPCs. This knowledge could lead to improved transplantation techniques for treating blood diseases and cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with blood diseases or cancers who may benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood diseases or those who are not candidates for stem cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of stem cell transplants, leading to better outcomes for patients with blood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding stem cell behavior and interactions in similar models, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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 2026-06-09 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.