Towards Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells' Quiescence

PROJECT NARRATIVE Long term success of human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is curative in many blood and other disorders but challenged by lack of sufficient numbers of HSCs. Studies proposed here are designed to enhance human HSC potency by modulating their non-nuclear organelles specifically the activity of lysosomes and their communication with mitochondria. To achieve this goal, the work will elucidate mechanisms of lysosomal regulation of human HSC potency and likely to identify a new lysosomal-based mode of intervention to improve human HSC engraftment.