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National Research Program
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Researchers:
Dr Catherine Carmichael
Institute:
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Project title:
Investigating the role of the Erg gene in blood
cell development and disease
Annual Funding: $97,759
Funding period: 2008-2010
Project summary
The body’s blood system produces billions of blood cells every day. The production of
these cells is driven by stem cells in the bone marrow, which continuously reproduce
throughout life. If these stem cells are damaged in any way, diseases such as leukaemia
may develop.
Dr Carmichael is studying the regulation of bone marrow stem cell function, as well as
leukaemia development. In particular, Dr Carmichael is investigating the role of a gene
involved in blood cell formation called Erg. This gene belongs to a family of genes which
are known to be key regulators of blood cell formation. Indirect evidence implicates Erg in
these processes, but definitive proof has been elusive. However researchers at WEHI
have developed a new model that will make it possible to study the role of Erg.
“The results from this study will provide us with a deeper understanding of human blood
formation and potentially lead to new treatments for blood cancers.”