We are interested in deciphering the mechanisms of normal development of blood cells.
1. We study the regulation of non muscle myosin II the development of megakaryocytes, erythrocytes and platelets.
2. Myeloproliferative neoplasms are disorders of the myeloid lineage that gives rise to increased numbers of platelets and/or red blood cells. We study the mutations associated with this disorder such as mutations in calreticulin, JAK2 and the thrombopoietin receptor.
3. Thrombopoietin receptor dynamics is affected in the presence of mutant JAK2 and calreticulin. We are characterizing th epathways for thrombopoietin rceptor traffic and endocytosis in the presence of these mutations. Finally, with Prof. Shilpi Minocha, we are developing a zebrafish model for thrombocyte deveopment.
4. In another project and in collaboration with AIIMS, we are studying the transcription factor Ikaros and its role in B-ALL and B cell development.