Leslie E. Silberstein, MD

Boston Children's Hospital

Academic Titles

Professor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School

Research Program Affiliation

Member, Cancer Immunology

Leadership Roles

Chief, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Cell Manipulation

Research Abstract

In the bone marrow, hematopoietic stem and progenitor (HSPC) reside in close contact with stromal cells in distinct anatomical microenvironments, where they receive signals for retention as well as growth and maturation. A long-term objective of Dr. Silberstein’s research laboratory is to better define the role of specified bone marrow microenvironments in regulating HSPC development. To this end, the lab has developed novel quantitative imaging tools for 2D and 3D visualization of different bone marrow compartments including the distribution of both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, e.g. vascular and stromal cells. Complemented by molecular and cellular approaches, my goal is to understand how niche cells influence the dynamic nature of hematopoiesis in health and disease. On-going studies are focused on understanding how inflammatory signals modulate niche cells and concomitantly hematopoiesis. Ultimately, these studies may lead to opportunities for targeted therapeutic regeneration in various bone marrow disorders associated with cancer and acute and/or chronic inflammation.