The goal of the Erythropoiesis program is to discover the molecular and cellular biological pathways involved in erythroid cell differentiation. This includes not only adult or definitive erythropoiesis (differentiation), but also ontological or primitive erythropoiesis (development).
Specific areas include:
- Transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational regulation of erythroid specific genes.
- Mechanisms underlying normal and disordered globin gene regulation.
- Heme biosynthesis and iron metabolism during erythropoiesis.
- Erythroid cell membrane structure and function, and the interaction of transport and receptor molecules.
- Erythropoietin receptor signaling and its effects on gene regulation.
- Mechanistic determinants of red blood cell survival.
- Detection of abnormal hemoglobins.
- Development of genetically targeted therapies for sickle cell anemia and thalassemias.
- Development of clinically applicable approaches for controlling fetal vs. adult b-globin gene expression.
For more information, contact Dr. Terry Rogers Bishop, or Dr. Daniel Wright, Directors, Hematology Research Programs.
