Every second, your body functions like an extremely efficient factory, producing millions of red and white blood cells and platelets to keep you healthy – a process known as hematopoiesis. This vital production line is driven by around a 100,000 blood stem cells that work tirelessly throughout your life. However, when hematopoiesis goes awry, it can lead to serious health issues, such as anemia or leukemia. Vijay Sankaran’s lab is dedicated to uncovering the complexities of this process, focusing on how genetic differences can influence blood cell production in both health and disease. The team seeks to transform these insights into innovative therapies.