Research Projects

Our current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate hematopoiesis in hematologic and cardiometametabolic diseases. To maintain homeostasis and health, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow produce over 100 billion blood and immune cells through hematopoiesis on a daily basis, which execute oxygen transport, toxin clearance, and immune function. Abnormal function of HSCs and hematopoiesis could thus result in hematologic and immune-related diseases. We are interested in defining how inherited and acquired genetic and epigenetic variation impact hematopoiesis in hematologic and cardiometabolic diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We combine statistical and molecular genetics, bioinformatics, molecular and functional assays, and animal models in our studies.