Blood Program
Mission
Red and white blood cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) are produced by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs have been used as stem cell and immune therapies for more than 60 years in the form of bone marrow transplants. Cord blood is also a rich source of HSCs for therapeutic purposes, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are now being used to make blood cells for research and clinical use. Advances in modern medicine, including new stem cell technologies and genetic engineering, are expanding the therapeutic use of iPSCs, HSCs and the blood cells they produce.
The mission of the Blood Program in the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute is to define the molecular mechanisms that regulate the production and function of blood cells by HSCs (hematopoiesis), and determine how dysregulation of these processes causes blood disorders and diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Our hope is that understanding these mechanisms will reveal opportunities to manipulate the production and function of blood cells to develop novel therapies for blood diseases as well as solid tumors and aging-associated diseases.
Focus
Our current focus is on the production and function of blood cells in healthy individuals and in diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. In particular, we are interested in:
- Mechanisms of normal blood cell production by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
- Mechanisms of dysregulated blood cell production and function in leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients
- The impact of aging on blood cell production and the immune system
- Cellular and immune therapies to treat blood diseases and aging-associated diseases
Faculty
Collaborative Research
The Blood Program’s investigators collaborate with Cedars-Sinai physicians and scientists, including other members of the Regenerative Medicine Institute, the Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy and other members of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, as well as investigators at other institutions.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions, or wish to learn more about the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute.
Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute
Pavilion, Eighth Floor
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048