Hematology & Oncology

Unraveling the molecular signals behind blood cell development our lab studies mechanisms regulating early hematopoiesis and B cell lymphopoiesis with a focus on how DNA damage signals activate programs that promote normal differentiation and suppress leukemogenesis. We investigate transcriptional responses to DNA breaks during antigen receptor assembly and explore how these pathways are disrupted in leukemia and primary immune deficiencies to guide strategies for prevention and treatment.

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Exploring genetic, environmental and developmental influences on glioma formation and cognitive impairment, our lab investigates how these factors shape risk in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and the broader pediatric population. Using murine models as a platform, we aim to uncover mechanisms driving tumor development and neurodevelopmental changes, identify new strategies for patient risk assessment and discover therapeutic targets. Through this work, we strive to transform understanding and improve outcomes for children affected by NF1 and related conditions.

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Improving outcomes for children with chronic illnesses through research and education, the Child Health and Education Lab focuses on conditions such as Sickle Cell Disease and brain tumors. Led by Allison King, MD, MPH, PhD, our team investigates how environmental, cognitive and psychosocial factors influence health and development. Through partnerships like the Heartland and Southwest Sickle Cell Disease Network, we work to enhance care and quality of life across an eight-state region, while advancing strategies for assessment, transition and long-term support.

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Discovering genetic and biological determinants of bleeding and thrombosis our lab combines expertise in genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms underlying disorders such as von Willebrand disease and platelet dysfunction. We develop interactive genomic databases, investigate mutations like NBEAL2 and ETV6 and use CRISPR-modified mice to study hemostasis. Our goal is to translate these insights into novel therapies that improve quality of life for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders.

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Combining basic science and clinical research to advance brain tumor treatment, the Rubin Lab is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in malignant brain cancers. Our work explores how factors such as epigenetics, signaling pathways, metabolism and cellular senescence influence disease progression, with a special focus on sex-specific differences in cancer risk and survival. By translating these insights into targeted strategies, we aim to develop more effective therapies and improve outcomes for diverse patient populations.

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Critical insights into causes of childhood leukemia and pioneering prevention strategies our lab investigates how leukemias arise from normal blood-forming stem cells, how malignant cells hijack developmental programs and why childhood and adult leukemias differ genetically. Using innovative mouse models we study leukemia evolution during early life and assess how stressors such as chemotherapy contribute to disease. Our goal is to develop new approaches to treat and ultimately prevent childhood leukemia.

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Advancing treatments for blood diseases through innovative cellular therapy research, our center focuses on immune regulation in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the development of novel platforms for cell-based therapies. By uncovering mechanisms of immune tolerance, enhancing regulatory immune cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease and designing safer cancer-targeting strategies, we aim to transform HSCT into a more effective and less toxic cure. Our bench-to-bedside approach drives breakthroughs that offer patients long, healthy lives.

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Exploring inflammation's role in blood cancer and optimizing treatment our lab studies how inflammatory signals affect hematopoietic stem cells and contribute to malignancies. While inflammation is essential for immune defense prolonged exposure can impair stem cell function and drive clonal expansion of mutant cells leading to blood cancers. By understanding these responses we aim to improve stem cell health and develop strategies to prevent hematopoietic malignancies.

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Exploring cellular mechanisms that govern protein targeting, degradation and placental development, our laboratory investigates how intracellular pathways maintain homeostasis and regulate receptor-mediated endocytosis. By studying protein processing within endosomal and lysosomal systems and the molecular biology of syncytia formation in placental trophoblasts, we aim to uncover fundamental processes that influence health and disease. Our integrated approach provides insights into cellular regulation with implications for developmental biology and therapeutic innovation.

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Developing safer less toxic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children our research focuses on reduced intensity transplantation for hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia using the best available related or alternate donors. Building on multi-center trials like the SCURT trial for severe sickle cell disease and the URTH trial for thalassemia we are now exploring reduced intensity approaches for non-malignant disorders using minimally mismatched marrow or cord blood donors.

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