The research work carried out in the Sauvageau lab focuses on the study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr. Sauvageau’s research has led to major breakthroughs in the study of HSCs and AML, notably the identification of several epigenetic regulators in HSC self-renewal, the discovery of the UM171 molecule that promotes the expansion of human cord blood-derived HSCs, as well as the identification of multiple mutations, gene expression profiles and vulnerability to chemical agents for the various AML subgroups.

Research theme

Dr. Guy Sauvageau’s team investigates the regulatory networks governing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and develops innovative strategies to expand these cells in culture for clinical applications. By combining genetic, chemical, and bioinformatics tools, the laboratory identifies key determinants of stem cell regeneration and immune system revitalization.

As leader of the Leucegene Project – leveraging a comprehensive dataset of primary AML specimens from the Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank – the team uncovers novel genetic anomalies, cellular mechanisms, and drug vulnerabilities to improve acute myeloid leukemia stratification and therapeutic options.

Furthermore, the laboratory collaborates on metabolic therapies targeting hard-to-treat, aggressive cancers (such as lung, pancreatic, and liver cancers) alongside Dr. Anne Marinier’s Drug Discovery Unit to advance synergistic anti-cancer treatments toward clinical translation.