Using a recently characterized in vivo lineage tracing model, I have identified a novel fetal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) that, although capable of supporting reconstitution of the blood system in an irradiated adult recipient, does not reside in the adult bone marrow in situ. This novel fetal HSC exhibits a differential lineage bias and gives rise to unique immune cell subsets that mediate innate immunity. Current aims of my project including understanding the mechanisms regulating lineage bias and long-term persistence of this novel HSC population, as well as pursuing the possibility that this novel HSC may represent the cell-of-origin in pediatric leukemias.
Preferred Duration: 8 weeks
Mentor: Anna Beaudin, Postdoctoral Scholar
Secondary Mentor: Prof. Camilla Forsberg