MRC Molecular Haematology Unit

We aim to understand how mature blood cells are normally made from stem cells and how this is perturbed in common blood disorders. Ultimately, our purpose is to improve the prognosis of patients with inherited and acquired blood diseases.

Red and white blood cells depicted in a vessel as a digital 3D rendering with more white cells in a person with leukaemia.

Study finds new human blood disorder

The Patel Group have discovered a new human disease caused by formaldehyde accumulation in cells

3d rendered medically accurate illustration of the human blood cells and lymphocytes

Developing a rapid and cost-effective way to identify newborns at risk of leukaemia

MRC WIMM researchers have developed a new method to quickly identify cancerous cells in babies at risk of leukaemia.

Acute erythroid leukemia commonly involves both myeloid and erythroid lineage transformation. Di Genua et al. show that combined Cebpa and Gata2 mutations induce bi-lineage AEL. The Gata2 mutation (bottom soil layer) increases chromatin accessibility of erythroid transcription factor motifs (red roots) and decreases chromatin accessibility of myeloid transcription factor motifs (blue roots) while bi-allelic Cebpa mutation (top soil layer) increases erythroid transcription factor expression. This transforms neutrophil-monocyte progenitors into bi-potent leukemia-initiating cells that produce both myeloid and erythroid blasts (red and blue flowers, respectively). Artwork by Rae Cook.

Nerlov and Vyas labs develop first pre-clinical model of rare leukaemia

The collaboration has led to the first pre-clinical model of acute erythroid leukaemia.

Coronavirus research in the MRC MHU

Researchers from the Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit are working hard to understand coronavirus infection and help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here you can find out more about our research.

C/EBPα and GATA-2 Mutations Induce Bilineage Acute Erythroid Leukemia through Transformation of a Neomorphic Neutrophil-Erythroid Progenitor.

Di Genua C. et al, (2020), Cancer Cell, 37, 690 - 704.e8

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MRC Molecular Haematology Unit

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Study finds new human blood disorder

Developing a rapid and cost-effective way to identify newborns at risk of leukaemia

Nerlov and Vyas labs develop first pre-clinical model of rare leukaemia

Coronavirus research in the MRC MHU

Latest Publications

Sensitive, rapid diagnostic test for transient abnormal myelopoiesis and myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome.

Two Aldehyde Clearance Systems Are Essential to Prevent Lethal Formaldehyde Accumulation in Mice and Humans.

Micro-environmental sensing by bone marrow stroma identifies IL-6 and TGFβ1 as regulators of hematopoietic ageing.

C/EBPα and GATA-2 Mutations Induce Bilineage Acute Erythroid Leukemia through Transformation of a Neomorphic Neutrophil-Erythroid Progenitor.

Latest News

Impaired antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with myeloid blood cancers

DNA breakthrough could help identify why some people are more affected by Covid-19

New clinical trial for patients affected by blood cancer

Immune cells imperfect at distinguishing friend from foe

New funding for early diagnosis research using platelets

MRC MHU Seminars