Dunbar Laboratory

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of rare, chronic blood cancers driven by acquired genetic mutations that cause the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow and circulation. Over time, this unchecked cell growth disrupts normal blood formation and vascular function, leading to serious complications including blood clots, progressive scarring of the bone marrow (myelofibrosis) and transformation into aggressive acute leukemias.

MPNs are broadly classified into three major subtypes:

• Polycythemia Vera (PV): Characterized by excessive red blood cell production, increasing blood viscosity and the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular complications.
• Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): Marked by overproduction of platelets, which can result in abnormal clotting or bleeding.
• Myelofibrosis (MF): A progressive disease defined by bone marrow scarring, impaired blood production, anemia, constitutional symptoms and an elevated risk of leukemic transformation.

Although current therapies can alleviate symptoms and reduce complications, they do not eliminate the disease or fully prevent progression. There remains a critical need for treatments that directly target the molecular drivers of MPN initiation and evolution. Our research seeks to meet this challenge by defining the genetic, epigenetic and inflammatory pathways that fuel MPN progression — and translating these discoveries into innovative, disease-modifying therapies that improve patient outcomes.

Learn more about our research