The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics will continue its seminar series on the topic of mathematical sciences underpinning cancer research. The monthly seminars take place on the second Wednesday of the month, 2:00-3:00 PM EST. The presentations are open to the Columbia community (in person and online) and to researchers outside Columbia (via Zoom).
On Wednesday, September 9 (2:00 PM ET), IICD welcomes Dr. Katherine King from Baylor College of Medicine. Seminar hosted by Dr. Ren-Yi Wang. The seminar will take place via Zoom. If you wish to attend the seminar remotely, please register using the following link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/-AtAQLMCRV6TW8-k9frKDw
Title: Intra-Clone Dynamics Affecting Emergence of Clonal Hematopoiesis
Abstract: Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a common age-associated condition in which blood stem cells carrying somatic mutations expand over time, increasing the risk of hematologic malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders of aging. While many individuals harbor multiple mutant clones, little is known about how these clones interact to shape disease evolution. Our work integrates analyses of large human genomic datasets with experimental mouse models to investigate the dynamics of competition among the most common CH driver mutations. Unexpectedly, we found that ASXL1 and DNMT3A mutant clones rarely coexist, revealing a previously unrecognized antagonistic relationship. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that ASXL1-mutant cells suppress the expansion of DNMT3A-mutant clones through indirect effects on the hematopoietic microenvironment, with evidence that metabolic competition and nutrient availability play key roles. These findings suggest that clonal hematopoiesis is shaped not only by the intrinsic fitness of individual mutations but also by competitive interactions among coexisting clones. By defining how these evolutionary dynamics influence early clonal expansion, our work provides a framework for understanding—and ultimately manipulating—the trajectories of clonal evolution in aging and cancer.
Bio: Katherine Y. King MD PhD is Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, where she is part of the faculty for the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center and serves as Co-Director of the BCM Medical Scientist Training Program. Dr. King received her BA in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University and her MD and PhD degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. A board-certified pediatric infectious diseases physician, Dr. King’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation affects blood and immune cell production and clonal competition by hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Dr. King has been the recipient of the NHLBI R35 Emerging Investigator Award, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), and the 2025 E. Mead Johnson Award of the Society for Pediatric Research. She is an elected member of the American Pediatric Society and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
