Hongxia Fu, PhD (Medicine/Hematology & Oncology)
Our lab develops and applies single molecule biophysical methods to directly capture nanoscale events in biological processes such as protein folding/unfolding and biomolecular interactions, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to unveil the origin of disease. We also use human pluripotent stem cells to re-create key features of human vascular disease, such as thrombosis and bleeding disorders. Combining single-molecule manipulation tools, microfluidics, and stem cell biology, we are building a molecule-to-tissue scale model of human disease and aim to develop novel interventions, including both molecular and cellular therapies.
Li (Amily) Guo, MD, PhD (Medicine/Hematology & Oncology)
Dr. Guo’s lab is committed to advancing our understanding of platelets’ immune functions in both health and disease, and pioneering next-generation platelet-centered cell therapies. Platelets, which are anucleate cells derived from hematopoietic stem cell megakaryocytes, are produced at a rate of approximately 100 billion cells per day in adults. Abnormal platelet number and functions play crucial roles in various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, bleeding disorders, cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Our research focuses on understanding the function and regulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I in platelets, and its impact on adaptive immune responses, unveiling the actin cytoskeleton dynamics in platelet immune functions, and bioengineering of platelet-centered cell therapies from stem cells.
Jill Johnsen, MD (Medicine/Hematology & Oncology)
Our research program is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and care of patients with blood disorders through advancement of new knowledge and understanding of biology and through the translation of new knowledge and laboratory innovations to improve clinical testing. We are particularly interested at a better understanding of how DNA changes cause blood disorders, and how bleeding uniquely impacts females.
In our lab we study the genetics and biology of variation in clotting factors and blood groups (blood types), with emphasis on coagulation factor VIII, factor IX, and von Willebrand factor, and clinically relevant blood group genes, particularly the ABO and Rh systems. Our research leverages new technologies, including targeted and whole genome next generation DNA sequencing, multi-omics, long-read sequencing, and new and novel molecular methods. We also develop and use in vitro functional studies, including large scale deep mutational scanning of genes of interest in mammalian cell display systems to inform and improve interpretation of the functional significance of DNA variants discovered in genes important in blood disorders.
Christina Termini, PhD (Fred Hutch)
Our laboratory aims to understand how the adult blood system regenerates after damaging stressors like radiation and chemotherapy and how these processes can be hijacked during malignant transformation. Our research melds basic cell biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology and uses quantitative microscopy, flow cytometry, and transgenic mouse models to build a multi-scale understanding of blood regeneration. Our goal is to identify new mechanisms to support healthy blood recovery and target cancer stem cells to eventually translate for clinical applications.