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September 30, 1994
Contact: Mary Harris
301/496-6110
Dr. David Badman
301/594-7541
The grants, totaling an estimated $10.6 million over five years, were awarded to Children's Hospital, Boston; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. The research centers will enable basic and clinical scientists to collaborate in the study of gene structure and function, as well as testing the efficacy and safety of treatments for blood diseases. The ultimate goal of the studies is to use cellular and molecular biology techniques to develop methods to identify, treat, and cure genetic diseases of the blood and other systems.
The Center at Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, will examine fundamental molecular hematopoiesis, or the development of blood cells in bone marrow. The principal projects address the role of specific genes in hematopoietic development.
The Center at Indiana University School of Medicine will develop strategies to correct inherited diseases of bone marrow-derived cells by genetically modifying hematopoietic stem cells. This Center will target diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (adenosine deaminase deficiency), X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and hemoglobinopathies. If this Center's goals are achieved, the information can be used to develop clinical protocols for effective viral-mediated gene transfer therapy of genetic diseases.
The University of Utah Center will examine the molecular regulation of iron and heme metabolism, cell adhesion, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, cell differentiation, and cytokines and hematopoiesis.
The three Centers were among seven that had previously received NIDDK exploratory grants to cover a small portion of the cost of planning and developing complex research centers. Centers gather and integrate teams of investigators from a wide range of specialties, share specialized, often expensive equipment and staff, and serve as regional or national resources for other scientists.
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