The overall theme of Dr. Silbersteins research laboratory pertains to the role(s) of chemokines in the bone marrow environment. Using B lineage differentiating bone marrow cells as a model, the laboratory wishes to define the molecular signaling pathwaysof the CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axis. Although this axis appears to play a major role in hematopoietic progenitor homing/engraftment to the bone marrow as well as retention in the bone marrow for normal hematopoietic development, the mechanisms by which these processes occur remain largely unknown. By better understanding the molecular signaling pathways of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, the laboratory hopes to devise strategies to improve stem/progenitor cell engraftment following transplant. Laboratory methods include both in vitro and in vivo intravital microscopy of human cells and gene targeted animal models. Dr. Silberstein is the Director of the Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Program Leader for Cell Therapy in the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Director of the Center for Human Cell Therapy. Through these activities, he brings together Transfusion Medicine-related educational, research and clinical activities of the major Harvard Medical School affiliated institutions in Boston.