My research focuses on how the intricacies of cell-cell communication can impact the process of blood cell development or haematopoiesis. I am specifically interested in an intracellular pathway called the JAK/STAT pathway which responds to messenger proteins called cytokines. Haematopoiesis is regulated by the activity of specific cytokines that signal for the differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells and their downstream specific lineages. Any dysregulation in this signalling can cause dysfunction of haematopoiesis resulting in disease.
I completed my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Alister Ward looking at various mutations impacting the JAK/STAT pathway and identifying how these mutations can impact haematopoiesis as well as overall immunity.
Following my PhD, I joined SVI as a Postdoc in the Stem Cell Regulation Unit, expanding my research into haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) with a specific interest in the pathogenesis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). We utilise a newly developed mice model to help delineate the molecular characteristics of MDS, such as HSC activity and JAK/STAT signalling. By characterizing these mechanisms, we are then able to test various therapeutics that can potentially alleviate the development or progression of MDS. We hope to use this model to improve treatment outcomes and develop novel therapies for patients suffering from MDS.
Key Achievements
2020-2023 Deakin University Post Graduate Research Scholarship
Publications
Sobah, M.L., Liongue, C. and Ward, A.C., 2024. Stat3 Regulates Developmental Hematopoiesis and Impacts Myeloid Cell Function via Canonical and Non-Canonical Modalities. Journal of Innate Immunity, 16(1). DOI: 10.1159/000538364
Liongue, C., Sobah, M.L. and Ward, A.C., 2023. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Proteins at the Nexus of Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and Cancer. Biomedicines, 12(1), p.45. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010045
Sobah, M.L., Liongue, C. and Ward, A.C., 2023. Contribution of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) to Bone Development and Repair. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(1), p.389. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010389
Sobah, M.L., Scott, A.C., Laird, M., Koole, C., Liongue, C. and Ward, A.C., 2023. Socs3b regulates the development and function of innate immune cells in zebrafish. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, p.1119727.DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1119727. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1119727
Almohaisen, F.L., Heidary, S., Sobah, M.L., Ward, A.C. and Liongue, C., 2022. B cell lymphoma 6A regulates immune development and function in zebrafish. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 12, p.887278. DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.887278
Sobah, M.L., Liongue, C. and Ward, A.C., 2021. SOCS proteins in immunity, inflammatory diseases, and immune-related cancer. Frontiers in medicine, 8, p.727987. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.727987
Stem Cell Regulation
Our laboratory does discovery through to translational research, with an ultimate goal to improve therapies for patients with different diseases that affect blood cell production. We study how blood cell production is regulated, both by proteins made by the blood cells themselves and by proteins made by the bone marrow microenvironment, which is the factory where blood cells are produced.
Lab head: Professor Louise Purton