The Effects of Radiation on Megakaryopoiesis
Valerie Brunson, M.D. pursued her project, “The Effects of Radiation on Megakaryopoiesis”, in the laboratory of James Palis, M.D. in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research. Using a murine model, Dr. Brunson’s studies showed both the relative resilience of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and the altered time course and morphological hallmarks of megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release after exposure to varying amounts of whole body radiation. In a recent Pediatric Grand Rounds presentation, Dr. Brunson discussed the importance of this work for disaster preparedness and radiation safety.