New thesis creates a better understanding of blood formation during the fetal development and the neonatal period
Karin Belander Strålin from the Hematology Unit/HERM, at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH), is defending her thesis titled "Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate decisions during fetal development", on 29 November , 2024. Main supervisor is Sten Eirik W. Jacobsen (MedH).
What is the main focus of your thesis?
With the studies included in the thesis, we aimed to characterize and gain a better understanding of blood formation during fetal development and the neonatal period, as well as in adulthood. We know that there are many differences between blood formation in the fetal period and in adults, but we also know that many of these differences have yet to be discovered. Understanding these differences is important for identifying the causes of and treatments for various blood disorders, especially in children.
What are the most important results?
In our first study, we examined blood stem cells at the time of birth and gained new insights into the blood stem cells' ability to produce blood cells at this time point. In our second study, we demonstrated an alternative and faster pathway for the formation of platelets from blood stem cells in adult bone marrow. In our third study, we identified an early precursor to B cells that could only develop further into B cells. This B-cell precursor was characterized by the expression of a specific gene, the Mb1 gene.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
The knowledge about blood stem cells during the neonatal period can be used in further research on the cell-of-origin of various blood disorders, such as leukemias. The discovery of alternative pathways for platelet formation could contribute to developing treatments that stimulate platelet production in patients with low platelet levels, for instance, during cancer treatment. The discovery of the earliest specialized precursors to B cells can be used to study the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common form of cancer in children. An increased understanding of the initiation of ALL is crucial for the possibility to prevent development of ALL in the future.
What are your future ambitions?
I aim to continue my work as a pediatric oncologist at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, with a particular focus on leukemias. After earning my PhD, I wish to pursue hematology research with a more translational focus, to bring my research and clinical work closer toghether. My overarching goal is to contribute to the advancement of pediatric cancer care.
Dissertation
Friday, 29 November, 09:00, Erna Möllersalen, Neo, Campus Flemingsberg / Online
Thesis
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate decisions during fetal development