Wojciech A. Swat, Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Immunobiology
Keywords: lymphocyte, signal transduction, development, cytoskeleton, oncogene

My research interests have focused on molecular mechanisms underlying various checkpoints in development of lymphoid cells. The dynamic process involving the commitment of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells to various lymphoid lineages and subsequent maturation of progenitor cells is not entirely understood. These developmental programs involve modifications of gene expression controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic cues resulting in lymphocyte survival, proliferation, differentiation and/or apoptosis.

The long term objective of studies conducted in this lab is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying development of lymphoid lineages and activation of mature lymphocytes. In this context, several active projects focus on the roles of Vav family of protooncogene proteins, which are essential for both adaptive and the innate immune system functions. Recently, my laboratory generated mice deficient in all three Vav genes, which show severe developmental and functional abnormalities of immune system cells as well as osteoclasts. We are also investigating potential roles for Vav proteins in BCR/Abl-induced malignant transformation.