Caroline Blackman (Martin Lee Doctoral Scholar)

Thesis title: Identification of novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal

Biography

Background

Originally from Texas, I obtained my BSc in Immunology from the University of Edinburgh. During this time, I gained experience in three different labs and conducted clinical research at an immunology practice. I did my dissertation in the lab of Professor Rose Zamoyska, investigating how post-translational modifications can affect T cell signalling to cause autoimmune disorders.

 After, I studied the bone marrow microenvironment as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Sean Morrison at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In this position, I contributed to a project which demonstrated that non-selective β-blockers can have fatal consequences for patients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplants. Additionally, I worked with mesenchymal stem cells, investigating the hierarchical healing process of bone post-injury (including the supportive role of stromal cells in angiogenesis and haematopoiesis) and how metabolic alterations may disrupt this process.

 As a Martin Lee Doctoral Scholar, I will investigate novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal in the lab of Dr. Stefano Comazzetto.

 

Publications:

Nishino J, Hu W, Kishtagari A, Shen B, Gao X, Blackman CM, et al. Nonselective β-adrenergic receptor inhibitors impair hematopoietic regeneration in mice and humans after hematopoietic cell transplants. Cancer Discov. (2025) 15:748–66. doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0719

Research summary

I am interested in the bone marrow microenvironment —how it functions at homeostasis and how disruption of this leads to disease initiation, especially leukaemia. 

Current research interests

I'm currently investigating how metabolic alterations regulate the function of steady-state haematopoietic stem cells and B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL) models.

Past research interests

T-cells, autoimmune disorders, stromal cells, cross-talk in the bone marrow microenvironment

Project activity

  • Identification of novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal
  • Identification of metabolic vulnerabilities in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
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