University of Dundee

“Deciphering the formation of blood stem cells using single-cell transcriptomics”

Event Date: 
Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 14:00
Event Location: 
Sir Kenneth and Lady Noreen Murray Seminar Room School of Life Sciences, Discovery Centre (CTIR 2.84)
Professor Kim Dale FRSB
Event Speaker: 
Dr Christophe Lancrin
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome
Event Type: 







In adulthood, the continuous generation of blood cells relies on the existence of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which have the ability to self-renew and generate all blood cell types. Any pathology affecting these cells could lead to the development of serious diseases such as leukaemia and anaemia. HSC are formed during embryonic life from endothelial cells, building blocks of the vascular system, which is responsible for blood circulation in the body. This process is called endothelial to haematopoietic transition (EHT). Using single-cell transcriptomics, we are uncovering the different populations involved in the HSC formation. We are also using this approach to understand how transcription factors regulate this process essential for the continuous oxygenation of our body and the establishment of our immune system.