Porse Group

Several cancers, including acute myeloid leukemias (AML), are maintained by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Similar to normal stem cells, CSCs are able to self-renew and are thus the cells that need to be targeted in order to efficiently eradicate the disease. The focus of the Porse group is therefore to study cancer from a stem-cell centric viewpoint. Specifically, we address the molecular mechanisms governing both normal and malignant hematopoiesis with the aim to identify novel targets for future therapeutic intervention in patients suffering from AML.

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Research focus

To address our overall research vision, the overarching goals are to:
  1. Understand the gene regulatory mechanisms that governs the behavior of normal HSCs and myeloid lineage decision events during normal hematopoiesis
  2. Understand the gene regulatory mechanisms governing the behavior of leukemic stem and progenitor cells
  3. To use the knowledge gained from 1) and 2) to identify novel potential targets for future treatment of leukemia. By working at the interface between normal and malignant hematopoiesis we will able to gain novel insights into both processes with the ambition to translate our findings for the benefit of future leukemia patients.

Key results

The role of C/EBP in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Transcriptional regulators in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Defining the biological role of nonsense mediated decay (NMD)

Research projects

  • Most of our projects are defined from a stem cell centric point of view and evolves around studying stem cells in both normal and malignant hematopoiesis.
  • For many years, a major focus for the Porse group has been to understand the role of the transcription factor C/EBP  in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We use genetic screens, multi-omics approaches and murine model systems to study this.
  • AML biology: We use transcriptome profiling and functional genetics to understand disease mechanisms and identify new targets for better treatment of patients. 
  • We use Single Cell Mass Spectrometry (scMS) in many projects, and we are working hard to further develop and refine the method and use it for characterization of both normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. 

Collaborations

Program for translational hematology (PTH)
PTH is a translational research program aiming at improving immediate and long-term outcome for hematological patients. Through interdisciplinary research, basic researchers and clinicians are brought closer together and have a specific focus on uncovering the mechanism leading to hematopoietic malignancies, identifying new drug targets, strengthening the treatments and in particularly facilitating personalized treatment. 

PTH groups
Bo Porse, Finsenlaboratoriet (Rigshospitalet)/DanStem/BRIC/, Professor and Director
Kirsten Grønbæk, Rigshospitalet/BRIC, DanStem-affiliated, Professor, MD
Kim Theilgaard-Mönch, Finsenlaboratoriet (Rigshospitalet)/BRIC, DanStem-affiliated, Associate Professor, MD
Krister Wennerberg, Rigshospitalet/BRIC, DanStem-affiliated, Professor
Kyoung-Jae Won, BRIC, DanStem-affiliated, Associate Professor
Joachim Weischenfeldt, Finsenlaboratoriet (Rigshospitalet)/BRIC, DanStem-affiliated, Associate Professor






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