DNA repair in the hematopoietic system
Stem cells are characterized by their almost unlimited ability to self-renew. How do stem cells achieve this ability? Recent results from the Geiger lab point toward a connection between the ability of (hematopoietic) stem cells to protect their DNA from major damage, the aging of a stem cell system and longevity. This hypothesis also ties aging and cancer together. Studying hematopoietic stem cells in the mouse serves as a useful surrogate system for the human setting, as it allows genetic modifications and complex experimental designs by taking advantage of inbred and knock-out lines and transgene insertions to analyze mutation frequencies.
Using this model, the Geiger lab will establish methods that will analyze how well hematopoietic stem cells take care of the integrity of their DNA due to "insults" like drugs/radiation/development/aging etc. How stem cells survive these insults will be measured in various in vitro assays and in transplantation models. The influence of distinct DNA repair genes involved in non-homologous end joining mechanisms will be analyzed in retrovirally transduced stem cells or in knock-out/knock-down models.
Related Publications
Where possible, article titles are linked to an abstract of the article. Selected citations may also be linked to PDFs of the article available on a Journal's site. Depending on the Journal's publishing policy, you may need a subscription to download the PDF.
Geiger, H; True, JM; de Haan, G; Van Zant, G: Age and stage specific regulation patterns in the hematopoietic stem cell hierarchy. Blood, 2001; 98:2966-2972.
Geiger, H; Van Zant, G: The aging of lympho-hematopoietic stem cells. Nature Immunology, 2002; 3:329-333.
Contact Us
For further information regarding Dr. Geiger's research, please contact
Dr. Hartmut Geiger at 513-636-1338. For additional information about the Division of Experimental Hematology, please contact
Dr. David Williams at 513-636-0364. The Division of Experimental Hematology can be found in Room 6529 of
Location R (Research Foundation Building).
