WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

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Hematopoiesis, the process by which all blood cells are formed, is a tightly regulated process that is disrupted in a number of blood diseases, including leukemias. The main interest of our laboratory is to define the mechanisms that regulate normal and leukemic hematopoiesis. Current projects include the following:

Characterization of leukemic stem cells

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that most leukemia is initiated by a subpopulation of leukemic cells, referred to as leukemic stem cells. Our laboratory is interested in defining the genetic and epigenetic alterations that contribute to transformation in this cell population.

Characterization of the role of microRNAs in leukemia

There is emerging data suggesting that non-coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), play an important role in the pathogenesis of human cancer. In our laboratory, we are using next generation sequencing technologies to identify and validate dysregulated and mutated miRNAs that contribute to transformation in leukemia.

Characterization of the pathogenesis of congenital neutropenia syndromes

These syndromes are characterized by neutropenia at birth and are associated with a marked propensity to develop leukemia. Studies to define the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and leukemogenesis are underway.

Regulation of hematopoietic stem cells by the bone marrow microenvironment (stem cell niche)

Studies are underway to characterize how normal (and leukemic) stem cells interact with stromal cells in the bone marrow to regulate their function. In particular, we are studying how G-CSF alters the bone marrow microenvironment and leads to the mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow to blood (see figure).

Regulation of stem cell niches in the bone marrow by G-CSF. Treatment of G-CSF leads to a marked suppression of osteoblasts in the bone marrow, leading to the mobilization of stem cells into the blood. In contrast, the vascular niche appears to be unaffected.

Education

1981	BS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
1985	MD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Post-graduate Training

1984	Medical Research, NCI summer training award, NIH, Baltimore, MD
1985-1986	Intern in Medicine, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO
1986-1988	Assistant Resident in Medicine, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO
1988-1992	Hematology-Oncology Fellow, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO

Academic Positions

1993-1996	Instructor, Department of Medicine, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO
1996-2003	Assistant Professor, Departments of Medicine and Pathology & Immunology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO
2003-present	Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine and Pathology & Immunology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO

Appointments & Committees

	Program leader, Hematopoietic Development and Malignancy Program, Siteman Cancer Center
	Member, Basic Science Leadership Committee, Siteman Cancer Center
	Markey Pathway Admissions and Steering Committee, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
	Summer Scholars Program in Biology and Biomedical Research Admissions Committee, Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Editorial Responsibilities

2002	Editorial Board, Experimental Hematology
2002	Editorial Board, Blood

Professional Societies

	Alpha Omega Alpha
	American Society of Hematology
	American Society of Clinical Investigation
	International Society for Experimental Hematology

Board Certification

1989	American Board of Internal Medicines
1990	American Board of Hematology

Honors & Awards

1981	Kurt H. Vanselow Undergraduate Research Scholarship; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
1981	The American Institute of Chemists' Student Award; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
1981	Phi Beta Kappa; University of Wisconsin-Milwauikee, Milwuakee, WI
1981-1984	Outstanding Achievement Award by Promotion's Committee; University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, Madison, WI
1982	Academic Excellence Award (top 2% of class); University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, Madison, WI
1984	Alpha Omega Alpha; University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, Madison, WI
1984	NCI Summer Training Award; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
1993	McDonnell Scholar in Molecular Oncology; Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO
1998	28th Mallinckrodt Scholar, Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation
2000	Election to American Society of Clinical Investigation
2005	Medical Advisory Board of the Severe Congenital Neutropenia International Registry

Updated: May 12, 2008