Principal Investigator:
Akiko Shimamura, MD, PhD
Associate Member
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
University of Washington

Attending Physician
Seattle Children's Hospital

Research Overview

Our research interests are centered on understanding the molecular mechanisms contributing to hematopoiesis and tumorigenesis with the goal of extending basic research insights to the development of rationally designed therapeutic strategies.  Our research group has focused attention on the inherited marrow failure syndromes, which have provided unique insights into novel molecular pathways contributing to hematopoietic failure and malignant transformation. 

Our laboratory’s research program extends from basic scientific studies of hematopoiesis and malignant transformation to clinical studies.  The laboratory utilizes a wide range of experimental approaches including a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, biochemistry, viral vectors, high-throughput screening assays, hematopoiesis assays, and mouse genetic models.  We have several ongoing collaborations with other laboratories and clinical centers.