Trying to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling cell fate decisions of blood cells.
The hematopoietic system is the classical mammalian stem cell system. It constantly maintains the right number and types of blood cells in our body. Throughout lifetime, enormous numbers (about 3 to 5 million new cells per second in human adults) of cells of the more than 10 different blood lineages are being produced from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Like all stem cells, HSC constantly have several options to choose for their future fate:
Survival versus Apoptosis
Proliferation versus Quiescence
Motility versus Resting
Differentiation versus Self renewal
In differentiating cells: choice between more than 10 distinct different lineages of the blood system.
We are aiming to understand how these decisions are controlled at the molecular level and if and how these different fate decisions are linked to each other. By understanding the molecular basis of cell fate decisions we hope to find ways to manipulate the behavior of blood cells for their clinical application. Due to their huge potential in regenerative medicine, the stem and progenitor cells are of particular interest in this approach.
The research unit Stem Cell Dynamics and the Institute of Stem Cell Research closely collaborate and share projects, rooms, resources and personnel.
We have established a partnership between the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan including an exchange program for visits in the partner institutes.
