The Desai Lab at Case Western Reserve University

We are a hematology lab studying the regenerative capacity of stem cells.

In the Desai Lab, we investigate how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) regenerate, with the goal of developing innovative treatments for blood disorders. Our research includes understanding HSC function across aging, injury, and immune challenges, aiming to translate these insights into therapies that improve bone marrow transplantation outcomes.

HSCs are the primary cells in our bone marrow responsible for producing all blood cell types, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells have the remarkable ability to self-renew and differentiate, ensuring a continuous supply of blood cells throughout our lives.

 

HSCs reside in a specialized microenvironment, or "niche," where they interact with supportive cells that regulate their function. These interactions are crucial for their lifelong functionality. When this microenvironment is disrupted, it can lead to a loss of HSC function, resulting in blood disorders and hematologic malignancies. Understanding these interactions helps us develop better treatments for such conditions.

What are hematopoietic stem cells? 

Our projects

We use a combination of in vivo (within living organisms) and in vitro (in controlled lab environments) approaches to investigate how HSCs function under various conditions. This allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of HSC behavior in different contexts such as aging, stress, transplantation, and disease. Specific projects include:

  • 15-PGDH Inhibition for Hematopoietic Recovery: We’re investigating how inhibiting the enzyme 15-PGDH can boost hematopoietic regeneration following stress or during aging, aiming to improve recovery and long-term blood health.

 

  • Sexual Dimorphism in Hematopoiesis: We explore the differences between male and female hematopoiesis, seeking to understand how sex-specific factors influence blood cell production and function.

 

  • Repurposing FDA-Approved Drugs: We aim to identify existing FDA-approved therapeutics that can be repurposed to enhance hematopoietic function and improve recovery after bone marrow transplantation.

 

  • Brain-Blood Connection in Neurodegeneration: We study how neurodegenerative disorders impact the blood system and vice versa, aiming to uncover how brain injury affects hematopoietic function.