Damon Runyon Researchers

Hematopoietic stem cells, which are found in the bone marrow and give rise to all other blood cells, maintain lifelong blood production and immune function. Due to their remarkable ability to regenerate the entire blood system, medical uses of HSCs have provided cures for many previously incurable diseases, including blood cancers. However, several unanswered questions limit our ability to full harness their therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. What regulates HSC regeneration? Why does their function decline with age? How does HSC behavior vary in healthy individuals? Using cutting-edge single-cell analyses and computational biology, Dr. Gao [HHMI Fellow] aims to identify the molecular and cellular factors involved in HSC regeneration, as well as possible targets for enhancing their regenerative potential. This work could enable significant improvements in stem cell-based therapies for cancer treatment. Dr. Gao received his PhD from Harvard University, Cambridge and his BS from Washington University, St. Louis.