Laura M. Calvi, M.D.

Research

The Calvi lab studies the therapeutic potential of stem cells to avoid undesired tumorigenic effects. The lab identified osteoblastic cells as key components of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) microenvironment, or niche, which could be targeted specifically increasing HSC numbers and improving survival after bone marrow injury. Based on their in vivo and in vitro models of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent HSC expansion through the niche, we have begun to define and manipulate HSC niche components in order to specifically expand HSC. Prostagalandin E2, a PTH-stimulated osteoblastic product, can stimulate both osteoblastic cells and HSCs, and expand HSC by altering their cell cycle state. Complementing our studies in normal hematopoiesis, we have used a murine model of a rapidly progressive hematopoietic malignancy, blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia, to define the role of the microenvironment and its components on disease progression and response to treatment.