This group of investigators studies how endothelial cells (cells that line blood vessels and other body cavities) develop from stem cells and precursor cells found in the blood and bone marrow. These studies use state-of-the-art in vitro (in the lab) tests to determine the developmental potential of endothelial stem cells.
Researchers are also studying the factors required for endothelial cells’ growth and survival.
Additionally, studies are using novel in vivo models (in the body or an organism) of endothelial implantation or transplantation, and to determine in vivo usefulness of endothelial stem cells in gene therapy for hemophilia and cancer.