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INVESTIGATIONS INTO IMPROVED THERAPIES FOR LEUKEMIA
Robert Welner , Ph . D .
Scientist , O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Associate Professor , Hematology & Oncology , Department of Medicine , UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Rui Lu , Ph . D .
Associate Scientist , O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Assistant Professor , Hematology & Oncology , Department of Medicine , UAB Heersink School of Medicine
“ Simply put , we ’ re investigating what goes awry in the development of blood cells , leading to leukemia ,” said Rui Lu , Ph . D ., of his collaboration with scientist Robert Welner , Ph . D . “ Specifically , we focus on clonal hematopoiesis , a condition that occurs with age and can result in an overabundance of mutated blood progenitor cells — a key risk factor for many blood cancers . Using advanced technologies , we analyze how mutated cells behave differently , especially under stressed conditions like inflammation .”
Lu , who has a Ph . D . in Science & Mathematics , Developmental Biology and Embryology , and Welner , who has a Ph . D . in Science & Mathematics , Microbiological Sciences and Immunology — say they are developing new tools and resources that likely wouldn ’ t happen if they were working alone . They appreciate the opportunity to explore creative ideas by combining their unique skills and expertise , and they challenge each other rigorously along the way .
“ As with most successful collaborations , we don ’ t impede each other ’ s individual goals or projects , we support them ,” said Welner . “ We openly share data and resources for a common goal . Our differing backgrounds and methods result in lively discussions of data and viewpoints
that push each of us outside our comfortable space .”
Welner and Lu describe their partnership as an intellectual kinship .
Lu has expertise in epigenetic regulation , genome-wide screening and molecular biology , while Welner has a background in immunology , cell biology , inflammation and cell signaling . “ We realized that our complementary skills created a unique opportunity to address our shared research questions from multiple perspectives ,” said Lu .
“ Our collaborative approach gives us a 360-degree view , enabling us to pinpoint how and where the blood development process goes wrong . The aim is to identify precise targets for future therapies .” ❚■
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