Trang Hoang and her team study the molecular mechanisms that allow multipotent hematopoietic stem cells to be maintained or to differentiate themselves into specialized cells that form the immune system. Their work makes it possible to understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of acute leukemias.

Research theme

Trang Hoang’s team seeks to define how hematopoietic stem cells integrate signals from their environment to be maintained or to differentiate themselves. It focuses more specifically on the external and internal factors around the cell that disrupt these signals, leading to the development of leukemias.

The Investigators study, among other things, the mechanisms governing the formation of blood cells from a very small number of hematopoietic stem cells. Their objective is to identify new therapeutic targets in order to offer leukemia patients targeted, non-invasive and personalized treatment.

Research objectives

Trang Hoang and her team have already made interesting discoveries in this area. The Investigators have notably observed that the gene called Stem Cell Leukemia (SCL) plays a key role in maintaining hematopoietic stem cells, as well as in the survival of progenitor cells.

The inappropriate expression of SCL in the thymus does however lead to the appearance of acute lymphoid leukemia. Investigators have shown this in transgenic mice. This leukemia is similar to that observed in children. Trang Hoang’s team now seeks to determine which proteins associate with SCL to influence its activity.

To do so, it combines the analysis of cells taken from transgenic mice with functional proteomics and genomics approaches, as well as using targeted molecular approaches.