Lectures and seminars KI South Distinguished Lecture Series: Linheng Li
The concept of the stem cell niche (microenvironment) has been proposed many decades ago, and the pivotal role of niche in controlling stem cells has been documented. However, the debate over if different niches exist to control hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) priming has been ongoing. Our new discoveries unrevealed a ‘zone’ concept that challenge the single-cell niche dogma defined previously.
Professor Linheng Li is a prominent scientist specializing in stem cell biology, particularly in the areas of adult stem cells and their microenvironments or niches. He is an investigator at Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City and Professor, Adjunction with Kansas University of Cancer Center, Kansas City, USA.
Tumor-initiating stem cells (TSCs or CSCs) lie at the root of tumor/cancer and are largely responsible for drug resistance and cancer relapse. However, how the therapy resistant CSCs survive remains a fundamental biological question and clinically unsolved problem. We reported that CSCs can intrinsically escape immune attacking and at the same time can also shape their microenvironment into an immunosuppressive barrier. Overcoming both the extrinsic immunosuppressive barrier and intrinsic immune escape has the potential to increase the efficacy of checkpoint inhibition therapies against various cancers.
Lecture: "Microenvironmental Regulation of Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells"
Introduction by KI researcher Hong Qian, Professor at the Department of Medicine Huddinge:
"Therapeutic opportunities in leukemia niche"
The lecture will be followed by an afternoon reception in the Neo entrance hall with possibility to interact and ask questions.
Early Career Researchers (e.g. PhD students, postdocs, assistant professors) interested in an exclusive opportunity to engage in discussions regarding career advice with Professor Li at 13:00 before the lecture, pls. contact hong.qian@ki.se no later than Monday, September 8th.
Host: Hong Qian