Molecular Genetics of Stem Cells

GUY SAUVAGEAU, M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P.(C)

• Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer
• Canada Research Chair in the Molecular Genetics of Stem Cells
• Full Professor, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal
• Adjunct Professor, Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University
• Hematologist, Stem Cell Transplant Centre, Department of Hematology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital
• Co-Director, Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank

The daily production of billions of blood cells is essential in maintaining the integrity of the human hematopoietic system. This impressive production originates from a minute proportion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The origin of adult HSCs can be traced through at least three developmental programs: specification, expansion and maintenance. Whereas stem cell division during expansion is symmetrical, giving rise to two identical daughter cells, a hallmark feature of all HSCs is their regenerative potential through asymmetrical self-renewal divisions, giving rise to one stem cell and one committed progenitor cell. Indeed, maintenance of adult stem cells in the bone marrow is crucial to ensure a steady supply of blood cell precursors for the lifetime of an animal. Moreover, the ability to self-renew is fundamental for the application of HSC-based therapies to a wide range of both malignant and genetic disorders.

Our team’s research focuses on the nature of HSCs and the molecular signals that regulate their proliferation, survival and differentiation. Our experimental approach involves a combination of animal models and tissue culture systems to study the effects of specific molecular determinants of both normal and leukemia stem cells, in vivo and in vitro. We are also interested in the development of tools to achieve a significant expansion of HSC numbers ex vivo to increase the therapeutic potential of these cells.

T + 514 343.7134
F + 514 343.5839
guy.sauvageau@umontreal.ca