Adult stem cells reside in a complex, dynamic niche

​

Work in the De Lisio lab is focused on answering two main questions: (1) What are the external cues that regulate the cellular composition of the stem cell microenvironment, and (2) How do changes in the cellular composition of the stem cell niche regulate stem cell function?  To answer these questions, we take an interdisciplinary approach combining in vitro and animal models with human studies, and apply techniques from molecular biology to systems physiology.  We focus on stem cell-niche interactions in skeletal muscle and bone marrow.  Our goal is to optimize endogenous stem cell function to maintain tissue health across the lifespan.