Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell expression of endothelial protein C receptor
All blood cells are derived from a common hematopoietic precursor stem cell. These stem cells have the potential for self-renewal and differentiation into various blood cell types. Aberrations in normal stem cell development can lead to their uncontrolled proliferation culminating in blood cell cancers (leukemias) or conversely deficiencies in production of some blood cell types, for example anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production. Dr. Mollica will study the expression of a cell surface protein, the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), that is selectively expressed on hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial cells that line blood vessels. The aim of this study is to examine the regulatory DNA element that controls the selective induction of the EPCR gene in hematopoietic stem cells. This knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms that govern the normal development of hematopoietic stem cells and the design of therapeutic strategies to reverse their uncontrolled proliferation in leukemias.

The Jennifer Dorrington Award honours Dr Jennifer Dorrington, who chaired the Grant Review Panel of The Banting Research Foundation from 1995 to 1996, as a tribute to her accomplishments in the fields of reproductive biology and ovarian cancer. It is awarded to the highest ranked eligible applicant in the fields of cancer or reproductive biology.