Websites
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MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
Research Institute
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MRC Molecular Haematology Unit
Research Unit
Adam Mead
PhD FRCP FRCPath FMedSci
Professor of Haematology
- Consultant Physician
- CRUK Senior Cancer Research Fellow
Normal and malignant haematopoietic stem cell biology
Normal and malignant haematopoietic stem cell biology
Our research goal is to identify rational therapeutic strategies for myeloid blood cancers, fuelled by a better understanding of the biological principles underlying disease development and progression.
About
I trained in medicine and haematology at the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL), and completed my PhD at UCL in 2007.
My research group, based at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, focuses on understanding the genetic and cellular complexity of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and related myeloid cancers. Our goal is to translate biological insights into better ways to diagnose, risk-stratify, and treat these largely incurable diseases.
Using cutting-edge single-cell genomics and in vivo models, we have uncovered new layers of heterogeneity within cancer stem cells and revealed how inflammation drives therapy resistance and genetic evolution. We are now exploring the interplay between genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory factors in the clonal evolution of myeloid malignancies — with the ultimate aim of delivering transformative clinical advances for patients.
Alongside my research, I llook after patients with myeloid malignancies at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and have served as Principal or Chief Investigator for over 50 clinical trials. I have helped drive the development of JAK2 inhibitor therapies for MPN through leadership roles in multiple landmark studies, including ROBUST, MAJIC, MITHRIDATE, PERSIST-1 and -2, MPDRC114, PHAZAR, PAC203, FEDORA, and PROMise.
In 2024, I was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of contributions to cancer research and clinical translation.
Research Themes
Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity: Defining the hidden diversity within malignant stem cell compartments in MPN and related malignancies.
Inflammation and Disease Evolution: Investigating how inflammatory pathways drive therapy resistance and genetic evolution.
Single-Cell Genomics and Experimental Models: Applying state-of-the-art technologies to dissect tumour ecosystems at unprecedented resolution.
Clinical Translation: Bridging laboratory discoveries into early-phase and late-phase clinical trials in MPN and myeloid cancers.
Join Us
We are always looking for talented, motivated, and curious individuals who are passionate about making a difference in cancer research.
Opportunities are available for:
PhD students
Postdoctoral researchers
Clinical research fellows
We offer a collaborative and supportive environment with access to cutting-edge technologies, strong links between research and the clinic, and a commitment to mentorship and career development.
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Prof. Adam Mead at adam.mead@imm.ox.ac.uk with a CV and a brief statement of your research interests.
Key publications
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A proinflammatory stem cell niche drives myelofibrosis through a targetable galectin-1 axis.
Li R. et al, (2024), Sci Transl Med, 16
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Single-cell multi-omics identifies chronic inflammation as a driver of TP53-mutant leukemic evolution.
Rodriguez-Meira A. et al, (2023), Nat Genet, 55, 1531 - 1541
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Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy for Polycythemia Vera Intolerant or Resistant to Hydroxycarbamide in a Randomized Trial.
Harrison CN. et al, (2023), J Clin Oncol, 41, 3534 - 3544
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In utero origin of myelofibrosis presenting in adult monozygotic twins.
Sousos N. et al, (2022), Nat Med, 28, 1207 - 1211
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Heterogeneous disease-propagating stem cells in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.
Louka E. et al, (2021), J Exp Med, 218
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Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Megakaryocyte-Biased Hematopoiesis in Myelofibrosis and Identify Mutant Clone-Specific Targets.
Psaila B. et al, (2020), Mol Cell, 78, 477 - 492.e8
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Unravelling Intratumoral Heterogeneity through High-Sensitivity Single-Cell Mutational Analysis and Parallel RNA Sequencing.
Rodriguez-Meira A. et al, (2019), Mol Cell, 73, 1292 - 1305.e8
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Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers distinct molecular signatures of stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Giustacchini A. et al, (2017), Nat Med, 23, 692 - 702
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Ezh2 and Runx1 Mutations Collaborate to Initiate Lympho-Myeloid Leukemia in Early Thymic Progenitors.
Booth CAG. et al, (2018), Cancer Cell, 33, 274 - 291.e8
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Germline JAK2 mutation in a family with hereditary thrombocytosis.
Mead AJ. et al, (2012), N Engl J Med, 366, 967 - 969
Recent publications
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Efficacy of a Novel BCL-xL Degrader, DT2216, in Preclinical Models of JAK2-mutated Post-MPN AML.
Wang Z. et al, (2025), Blood
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comBO: A combined human bone and lympho-myeloid bone marrow organoid for pre-clinical modelling of haematopoietic disorders
Shen Y. et al, (2025)
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Molecular profiling in MPN: who should have it and why?
Chee A. and Mead AJ., (2024), Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program, 2024, 524 - 534
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A proinflammatory stem cell niche drives myelofibrosis through a targetable galectin-1 axis.
Li R. et al, (2024), Sci Transl Med, 16
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Clinical utility of investigations in triple-negative thrombocytosis: A real-world, multicentre evaluation of UK practice.
Godfrey AL. et al, (2024), Br J Haematol
ORC-ID
0000-0001-8522-1002