Stem cells manifest a unique capacity to differentiate into various cell types while maintaining their own number in an undifferentiated state. The unique property of continuous self-renewal is shared among different stem cell types, including pluripotent embryonic stem cells and adult tissue-specific stem cells such as hematopoietic stem cells. Dr. Reizis is investigating the mechanisms regulating stem cell self-renewal, including potential common mechanisms shared by embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as by cancer stem cells. In parallel, we are studying the molecular basis of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation to certain blood cell types, such as interferon-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells.
Cisse B, Caton ML, Lehner M, Maeda T, Scheu S, Locksley R, Holmberg D, Zweier C, den Hollander NS, Kant SG, Holter W, Rauch A, Zhuang Y, Reizis B. Transcription factor E2-2 is an essential and specific regulator of plasmacytoid dendritic cell development. Cell 2008 Oct 3;135(1):in press.
Caton ML, Smith-Raska MR, Reizis B. Notch-RBP-J signaling controls the homeostasis of CD8- dendritic cells in the spleen. Exp Med. 2007 Jul 9;204(7):1653-64.
Galan-Caridad JM, Harel S, Arenzana TL, Hou ZE, Doetsch FK, Mirny LA, Reizis B. Zfx controls the self-renewal of embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells. Cell. 2007 Apr 20;129(2):345-57.