St. Jude Research
Chair: Mitchell J. Weiss, MD, PhD

Department of Hematology

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About the Department

The Department of Hematology is committed to performing innovative research and providing exceptional clinical care for children with catastrophic non-malignant blood diseases. Separate Experimental and Clinical Divisions investigate biomedical questions from two distinct orientations. Experimental Hematology faculty use tools of cell biology, developmental biology and genetics to understand the mechanisms of normal blood formation (hematopoiesis) and how these go awry in pediatric blood disorders. Clinical Hematology faculty care for patients and perform patient-oriented research, including interventional clinical trials to evaluate new therapies. The discoveries driven by our scientists and clinicians will increase our knowledge of blood diseases and improve the lives of our patients. Thus, a major goal is to transform laboratory discoveries into innovative therapies, in alignment with the mission of St. Jude.  

The Department of Hematology

Electron Microscopy: Sickle Cells

Our translational researchers are particularly interested sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure and pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome. At St. Jude, we are developing and improving new technologies for genetic manipulation, including genome editing and lentiviral gene therapy vectors to understand and treat these diseases. We are also investigating how bone marrow failure syndromes frequently progress to cancer by using state of the art sequencing and -omics approaches to uncover molecular clues. We leverage institutional technologies and build new tools to map long-term outcomes in our patients. To extend the scope of our accomplishments, Department of Hematology faculty and staff leverage St. Jude technologies by utilizing expert institutional core facilities and engaging in productive, long-term collaborations with faculty in numerous other Departments throughout St. Jude.  

Experimental
Hematology
Division

About the Division

Director: John Crispino, PhD, MBA

The Division of Experimental Hematology performs cutting edge laboratory research on normal and pathological blood development. We plan to expand our footprint in basic hematopoiesis and stem cell biology by recruiting new faculty investigators. Our departmental pluripotent stem cell core is leveraging cutting edge technology to enhance our understanding of hematopoietic stem cell biology and improve bone marrow transplantation. We also plan to expand our efforts in transcriptional regulation of hematopoiesis and sickle cell anemia-related research with a focus on developing curative therapies through genetic manipulation of patient hematopoietic stem cells. Another major  initiative is to understand the malignant progression of benign blood disorders and identify points of vulnerability for therapeutic intervention.

Resources

Experimental Hematology Faculty

Clinical Hematology Division

About the Division

Director: Cliff Takemoto, MD

The Division of Clinical Hematology conducts clinical research and provides comprehensive treatment and care for children and adolescents with non-malignant hematological disorders. Key areas of focus include sickle cell disease, bleeding disorders, thrombosis, transfusional iron overload, bone marrow failure, and a variety of rare pediatric blood disorders. Ongoing clinical trials include gene therapy for sickle cell disease and hemophilia, new drug testing for sickle cell disease, the use of mobile-health to improve patient heath literacy and adherence to clinical care guidelines, and a large cohort study to assess longitudinal outcomes of SCD.

Resources

Clinical Hematology Faculty

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    Nidhi Bhatt, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Nidhi Bhatt, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Clinical Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Health communication and implementation science with a focus on health literacy and health numeracy in adolescent patients with chronic diseases such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, sickle cell diseases and thalassemia
    • Hemostasis/thrombosis with special interest in hemostasis (bleeding disorders)
    • Transition of hemophilia patients from pediatric to adult care  

    Contact Information

    Nidhi Bhatt, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800, Room R5004

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-2065 (phone)

    (901) 595 2952 (fax)

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    Jane S. Hankins, MD, MS

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, St. Jude Global Hematology Program

    Jane S. Hankins, MD, MS

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, St. Jude Global Hematology Program

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    Affiliations

    Department of Global Pediatric Medicine

    St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

    St. Jude Global

    Clinical Interests

    • New therapeutic approaches in sickle cell disease
    • Transition to adult care
    • Disease progression

    Contact Information

    Jane S. Hankins, MD, MS

    Global Pediatric Medicine

    MS 721, Room 4027

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-4974 (phone)

    (901) 595-2952 (fax)

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    Rohith Jesudas, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Rohith Jesudas, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Hemostasis and thrombosis
    • Immune cytopenias
    • Developing and implementing integrated care programs for patients with chronic hematological disease

    Clinical Interests

    • Non-malignant hematology

    Contact Information

    Rohith Jesudas, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800, Room R5008

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-6240 (phone)

    (901) 595-2952 (fax)

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    Alexis K. Leonard, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Alexis K. Leonard, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Curative strategies for sickle cell disease
    • Gene therapy for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies
    • Hematopoietic stem cell mobilization
    • Sickle cell disease advocacy

    Contact Information

    Alexis K. Leonard, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800, Room R5005

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-3497 (phone)

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    Deepa Manwani, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Medical Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program

    Deepa Manwani, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Medical Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Clinical and translational research in sickle cell disease (SCD) with a focus on developing novel treatments
    • Improving outcomes in SCD pain – acute and chronic
    • Development and utilization of SCD registries to obtain robust real-world data 

    Contact Information

    Deepa Manwani, MD

    MS 800

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901)483-8677 (phone)

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    William Beau Mitchell, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Medical Director, Clinical Trials Management in Hematology

    Director, Platelet Disorders Program

    William Beau Mitchell, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Medical Director, Clinical Trials Management in Hematology

    Director, Platelet Disorders Program

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Evaluating novel therapies for rare bleeding disorders
    • Exploring thromboinflammation as a therapeutic target in sickle cell disease
    • Implementing best practices in thrombosis prevention and management

    Contact Information

    William Beau Mitchell, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    901-595-6610 (office)

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    Ellis J. Neufeld, MD, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Executive Vice President

    Clinical Director

    Physician-in-Chief

    John and Lorine Thrasher Endowed Chair in Pediatric Medicine

    Ellis J. Neufeld, MD, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Executive Vice President

    Clinical Director

    Physician-in-Chief

    John and Lorine Thrasher Endowed Chair in Pediatric Medicine

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Department of Pediatric Medicine

    Research Interests

    • Patient-oriented studies in nonmalignant hematology including ITP, thalassemia, transfusional iron overload, hemophilia and thrombosis

    Clinical Interests

    • Non-malignant hematology, including ITP, thalassemia, transfusional iron overload, hemophilia and thrombosis

    Contact Information

    Ellis J. Neufeld, MD, PhD

    Administration

    MS 282, Room C7046A

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-7509 (phone)

    (901) 595-8600 (fax)

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    Yogindra Persaud, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Yogindra Persaud, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Hospitalist Medicine Program

    Research Interests

    • The role of micronutrients in modulating the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease
    • Use of homeopathic remedies in improving pain physiology in patients with sickle cell disease
    • Investigating the use of novel immune therapies in patients with autoimmune cytopenias who are refractory to IvIg and steroids

    Contact Information

    Yogindra Persaud, MD

    Hospitalist Service

    MS 260, Room C2221

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    347-741-1051 (phone)

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    Parul Rai, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Parul Rai, MD

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Clinical Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Identifying risk factors and understanding the etiology of cardiac injury in sickle cell disease 
    • Effects of disease-modifying therapies on sickle cell-related cardiac injury 

    Clinical Interests

    • Sickle cell disease
    • Thalassemia
    • Anemia
    • Chronic transfusion therapy

    Contact Information

    Parul Rai, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800, Room R5044

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-0405 (phone)

    (901) 595-5696 (fax)

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    Ulrike M. Reiss, MD

    Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, Hemophilia Treatment Center

    Ulrike M. Reiss, MD

    Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, Hemophilia Treatment Center

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

    Clinical Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Bleeding disorders
    • Thrombosis
    • Bone marrow failure syndromes

    Contact Information

    Ulrike M. Reiss, MD

    Hematology

    MS 800, Room R5006

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-4753 (phone)

    (901) 595-2952 (fax)

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    Cliff Takemoto, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, Clinical Hematology

    Lemuel Diggs Endowed Chair in Sickle Cell Disease

    Cliff Takemoto, MD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director, Clinical Hematology

    Lemuel Diggs Endowed Chair in Sickle Cell Disease

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    Affiliations

    Department of Hematology

    Clinical Hematology

    Research Interests

    • Hemostasis and thrombosis
    • Vascular malformations
    • Bone marrow failure

    Contact Information

    Cliff Takemoto, MD

    Hematology

    MS 355, Room R5006

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-5676 (phone)

    (901) 530-0584 (cell)

    (901) 595-2952 (fax)

Physician Scientist Investigator Program Instructors

Physician Scientist Instructor Program

Affiliate Faculty

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    Senthil Bhoopalan, MBBS, PhD, FAA

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Senthil Bhoopalan, MBBS, PhD, FAA

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy

    Research Interests

    • Gene therapy and genome editing
    • Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, with particular focus on Diamond-Blackfan anemia
    • Role of ribosomes in hematopoiesis
    • Bone marrow transplantation for bone marrow failure syndromes

    Contact Information

    Senthil Bhoopalan, MBBS, PhD, FAA

    Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

    (901) 595-1793 (phone)

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    Jian Xu, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Jian Xu, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

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    Affiliations

    Department of Pathology

    Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Hematological Malignancies Program

    Research Interests

    • Enhancer function and regulation in development and cancer
    • Epigenetics-metabolism crosstalk in normal and disordered blood development
    • Functional metabolism in hematopoiesis and hematologic disease
    • System biology and multi-omic dissection of cancer evolution and therapy response

    Short Biography

    Jian Xu received his PhD in molecular biology from UCLA where he focused on epigenetic regulation of stem cell pluripotency. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Xu focused on the developmental control of fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching. In 2023, Dr. Xu joined the Department of Pathology and Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies at St. Jude where he investigates the gene regulatory processes controlling stem cell development and blood cancers. In 2023, Dr. Xu established the ATG core to provide valuable resources to the Department of Pathology, the Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies and the Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

    Contact Information

    Jian Xu, PhD

    Center of Excellence in Leukemia Studies (CELS)

    MS 345

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, 38105-3678

    (901) 545-5208 (phone)

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Mitchell J. Weiss, MD, PhD
Hematology MS355

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN, 38105-3678 USA
901-595-3760 mitch.weiss@stjude.org
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN, 38105-3678 USA
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