Assistant Professor, Cell and Regenerative Biology
University of Wisconsin, Madison
The Blanc lab uses two models to study stem cell aging: muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We are also very interested in the complex relationship between their respective niches, skeletal muscle and bone marrow. In mammals, MuSCs are required to ensure life-long skeletal muscle regeneration, while HSCs give rise to blood cells. HSC-derived immune cells are critical to ensure the temporal regulation of muscle regeneration through several processes ranging from debris clearance to guiding proper MuSC differentiation. Both stem cell populations share similar aging features such as quiescence disruption and aberrant fate regulation, including premature cell death and impaired lineage commitment.
Our research aims to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms of stem cell aging, manipulate them to rejuvenate aged tissue, and promote healthy aging. We have divided our research into several key projects to address these complex questions.