de Jong Lab

My lab is interested in the genes that regulate normal HSC function in the bone marrow, and studying whether those genes may contribute to the development of leukemia when their expression is abnormal. We utilize the zebrafish animal model as a unique discovery mechanism to uncover new genetic regulators of HSCs, and thereby new genes important for causing leukemia and other hematopoietic malignancies. Identifying these genes will open the door to understanding normal HSC function in vivo and after transplantation, and more importantly, will provide new insights into the mechanisms leading to the development of leukemia and potentially new targets for the treatment of leukemia.