Anastasia Nijnik

Research Area: Molecular & Cell Biology Research Description: Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Functions, Lymphocyte Differentiation, and Immune Response by Histone Deubiquitinase MYSM1. My research team investigates the process of blood and immune cell differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Specifically, we are addressing the role of chromatin interacting deubiquitinase MYSM1 in the stem cells and progenitor cells of the bone marrow, and its molecular mechanisms of action in the regulation by gene expression and DNA damage response signalling. These studies have potential implications for human bone marrow failure syndromes and hematological malignancies. The research program uses novel transgenic mouse and stem cell models. My other research interests include the immunomodulatory properties of natural and synthetic host-defense peptides and potential activities of this class of compounds on the bone marrow.