Toshio Suda MD, PhD

Professor Suda has been studying hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the HSC niche for more than thirty years. HSCs give rise to additional stem cells (self-renewal) and to progenitor cells (differentiation). This fate decision is determined by both cell autonomous programs and by the surrounding microenvironment, or niche. Our past work encompasses the study of the intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of HSCs, purification of potent HSCs, analyses of cell differentiation processes, identification of cytokine signaling in hematopoiesis, and the characterization of HSC niches. With that, we will aim for the regulation of stem cells by niche, or niche therapy. By focusing on the areas of stem cell niches, stem cell aging and cancer stem cells, we hope to provide novel insights to the development of niche therapy. We will further translate our findings into clinical settings, which would contribute to stem cell transplantation as well as treatment of hematological diseases.