Trial Information

Protocol to Obtain Bone Marrow for Research

The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanisms that regulate human globin gene
expression by analyzing the function of cell signaling pathways and the expression of other
related genes and their protein products in the bone marrow cells of people without blood
diseases. This includes the effects of drugs and other in vitro manipulations of the cells
once they are removed from donors. These assays will include, but are not limited to,
determinations of DNA methylation status, histone acetylation profiles, DNAse sensitivity,
transcription factor binding to DNA, levels of various proteins, messenger RNAs and miRNAs
in the cells of the marrow samples. By understanding how this process occurs in people
without blood diseases, we hope to to design future treatments for people with diseases such
as sickle cell disease and B-thalassemia.