Farzane Sivandzade

Research Scientist Iii @Seattle Children's

Seattle, WA, US

Genetic Modeling Functional Characterization of DNMT3A Mutations in Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Risk”I used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate the DNMT3A R882H point mutation in vitro as a platform to investigate molecular mechanisms of leukemogenesis. Through in vivo studies, I engineered variant Dnmt3a mutations (R878H, W293Del, heterozygous Deletion) using Cre-loxP systems (Mx1-Cre, Vav-iCre, EIIa-Cre) to study their impact on hematopoiesis, blood perturbations, and leukemia development over time. I also developed syngeneic bone marrow transplantation models to evaluate how these mutations influence leukemia risk and to assess the potential of cell therapy in mitigating disease progression.(via Crispr/Cas9 Editing, Transfection, Genotyping, Cre-loxP Recombination)“Preclinical Evaluation of Novel and Repurposed Therapeutics in Leukemia Models”I tested the efficacy and toxicity of novel and repurposed anti-leukemic agents—such as FHD-286, BRM014, Ozempic, Doxorubicin, and Aclarubicin—using xenograft and syngeneic transplantation models (e.g, NALM-6, NALM-16, SEM, MLL-AF9). I demonstrated that Aclarubicin could serve as a less cardiotoxic alternative to Doxorubicin. Also, BRG1 Inhibitors and GLP1 agonists have the potential to improve physiological and immune parameters in DNMT3A-mutant models, aiming to identify safer and more effective therapeutic strategies for leukemia.(via Blood sampling and administration, Flow Cytometry)“Mechanistic Studies of MLL-AF9–Driven Leukemogenesis in Hematopoietic Stem Cells”I investigated the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into leukemic stem cells (LSCs) by introducing the MLL-AF9 fusion gene via retroviral delivery, followed by syngeneic bone marrow transplantation. This model allowed me to study the molecular mechanisms driving leukemogenesis and assess therapeutic responses in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).(via Bacterial Culture and Transformation, Plasmid Cloning, Viral Packaging and Transduction)

Sharif University of Technology

Master of Science (M.Sc.), Biomedical Engineering/ Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Master of Science (M.Sc.), Pharmeceutical Sciences

Shiraz University

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Chemical Engineering

Oakland University

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, General