Research project
 

Molecular Hematology - Blood signals

Eirini TROMPOUKI, Research Director, DR2 Inserm
 

We investigate the mechanisms that govern hematopoietic stem cell formation during development, adult hematopoietic regeneration and blood diseases. We are mainly focused on the mechanistic intersection of these processes.

In particular, we are currently interested in the interplay between repetitive/transposable elements and innate immune signaling mediated through RNA sensors and how these signals integrate into regulating hematopoiesis. We think that repetitive elements play fundamental roles in developmental and adult hematopoiesis both by signaling through their RNA transcripts and functioning as cis-regulatory elements.

 

Mission & Goals

Hematopoietic stem cells are formed during development where they actively proliferate to create the adult hematopoietic stem cell pool. We are focusing on signals that regulate this process and we recently identified that repetitive elements expressed during development signal through RIG-I-like receptors to induce inflammatory signals that enhance hematopoietic stem cell formation. Repetitive elements are also induced in adult hematopoiesis, especially during stress situations like chemotherapy. Our goal is to further delineate the role of repetitive elements and inflammation in physiological and pathological hematopoiesis. 

 

Approach

We use zebrafish, mouse and primary human cells to investigate all aspects of hematopoiesis. We are harnessing the power of different models to fully address the functionality and signals that shape hematopoietic stem cell decisions. We are heavily relying on genome-wide methods like expression, chromatin accessibility, chromatin immunoprecipitation and other assays to deepen our knowledge in the molecular mechanisms that govern hematopoiesis.

Research teams