Xiaoyi (Chelsea) Cheng is a postdoctoral fellow in the Doulatov Lab at Columbia University who received a CCEH travel award to attend the Fifteenth International Workshop On Molecular Aspects Of Myeloid Stem Cell Development & Leukemia.
Can you give us a summary of the research you presented?
My research investigates how blood stem cells acquire mutations and evolve before developing into myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukemia. By sequencing patient-derived preleukemic clones and functionally testing candidate genes in human blood stem and progenitor cells, we identified several potential new drivers of clonal expansion. In particular, our findings suggest that loss of the chromatin regulator NSD1 may promote the expansion of immature blood stem cells and contribute to early disease development.
What was the coolest thing that your learned at the meeting?
The coolest thing I learned was how Andrew Elefanty and Elizabeth Ng are advancing human iPSC-based hematopoietic models beyond basic research, including their use with patient-derived samples for disease modeling and potential clinical and commercial applications.
Outside of the research presentations, what else did you enjoy about the meeting?
The food was truly amazing and one of the highlights of the meeting. I also really enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues, making new friends, and spending time with the hematology community.
Do you have a favorite hematopoietic cell?
Hematopoietic stem cells. They can become almost anything, which feels like a lot of pressure for one cell.
