Margaret Goodell

American stem cell biologist

Margaret Goodell is a prominent American stem cell biologist known for her pioneering research in the field of hematopoiesis and stem cell biology. She is a professor at Baylor College of Medicine and has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms that regulate stem cell function and differentiation.

Early life and education

Margaret Goodell was born in the United States and developed an early interest in biology. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego. Following her passion for research, she completed her PhD in immunology at the University of Cambridge, where she focused on the molecular mechanisms of immune cell development.

Career

Margaret Goodell in her laboratory

After completing her doctoral studies, Goodell joined the laboratory of Irving Weissman at Stanford University as a postdoctoral fellow. During this time, she developed novel techniques for isolating and characterizing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are responsible for the production of all blood cell types. Her work laid the foundation for understanding how HSCs maintain blood homeostasis and how their function is altered in disease states.

In 1997, Goodell joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, where she established her own research group. Her laboratory has focused on the regulation of stem cell quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation. Goodell's research has provided insights into the role of epigenetic modifications in stem cell fate decisions and the impact of the microenvironment on stem cell behavior.

Research contributions

Goodell's research has significantly advanced the understanding of stem cell biology. She has identified key signaling pathways and transcription factors that regulate stem cell function. Her work on the epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate has revealed how DNA methylation and histone modification influence gene expression in stem cells.

Margaret Goodell speaking at a conference

Goodell has also explored the role of stem cells in aging and cancer. Her studies have shown how age-related changes in the stem cell niche affect stem cell function and contribute to the decline in tissue regeneration with age. Additionally, her research on cancer stem cells has provided insights into the mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression.

Awards and honors

Margaret Goodell has received numerous awards for her contributions to stem cell research. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has been recognized with the American Society of Hematology's William Dameshek Prize for her outstanding research in hematology.

Related pages

• Stem cell
• Hematopoiesis
• Epigenetics
• Cancer stem cell