Understanding how blood stem cells move into their supportive environment
Official title: Niche-specific endothelial mechanisms regulating the extravasation of hematopoietic stem cells
Funded at Boston Medical Center · NIH-11104183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood stem cells move from the bloodstream into the bone marrow to help rebuild the immune system, using zebrafish to see this process up close, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients recover faster after stem cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $734,607 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178832-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with blood and immune disorders who may benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to blood disorders or those who are not candidates for stem cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to migrate from the bloodstream into the bone marrow, where they can regenerate the immune system. By using zebrafish embryos, which have a transparent body allowing for direct observation, the study aims to identify specific endothelial factors that facilitate this migration. The goal is to develop new therapies that can enhance the efficiency of HSC transplantation, potentially leading to faster immune recovery for patients. This approach combines advanced imaging techniques with molecular biology to uncover the cellular interactions involved in HSC extravasation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation by accelerating their immune recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding stem cell migration, but this specific approach using zebrafish for real-time observation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hagedorn, Elliott Jennings — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hagedorn, Elliott Jennings
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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.