Daniel C. Link, M.D.

Dan Link
  • Associate Professor
    • Department of Medicine
      • Oncology Division
        • Stem Cell Biology Section
    • Department of Pathology & Immunology
  • Clinical interests
    • General hematology
    • Neutrophils
  • Research interests
    • Leukemia
    • Granulopoiesis
    • Stem cells

Research

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).

Stem Cell Niches

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.

Biographical Sketch

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

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