{"id":100,"date":"2020-10-28T12:43:55","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T12:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/mmpu\/?page_id=100"},"modified":"2026-03-24T15:24:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T15:24:39","slug":"stem-cell-niche-networks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/mmpu\/research-groups\/stem-cell-niche-networks\/","title":{"rendered":"Stem Cell\u2013Niche Networks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n\n

Group leaders: Judith Zaugg, Caroline Pabst and Carsten M\u00fcller-Tidow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our research interest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our research is focused on understanding the molecular and functional interactions between haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the bone marrow niche. We primarily use the most plastic niche cell population, mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs), to model HSC\u2013stroma cell interactions in vitro<\/em>. We are specifically interested in understanding the role of MSCs in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and how changes in HSC\u2013niche interactions during ageing might contribute to leukaemic transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bone marrow harbours different types of stem cells comprising HSCs, which give rise to all blood cells, and MSCs, which can differentiate into different stroma cell types. MSCs play a pivotal role in maintaining normal HSC functions such as survival, quiescence, proliferation and differentiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our previous work has focused on understanding the pathogenesis of AML. AML is characterised by a rather small number of disease-inducing mutations and multiple epigenetic changes. Results from our groups and others point towards the niche as an essential player in AML pathogenesis. Interactions between leukaemic stem cells and the niche are likely to impact on disease initiation, maintenance and therapy response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are combining computational biology, multi-omics methods, co-culture systems of primary human cells, and xenotransplantations to study the mutual impact of the different cell types on each other during ageing and leukaemia development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our research focuses on four major aspects of HSC\u2013niche interactions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n