Blood-forming stem cells are present in the bone marrow in very specific microenvironments. Osteoblasts, cells that form bone, are one of the principal components in this environment. These cells regulate the process of blood cell formation and development by providing them with signals to divide, remain quiescent, or maintain their stem cell properties.[22] Distortion in the development of these cells results in severe blood cancers, such as myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia.[23] Mukherjee's research has been recognised through many grants from the National Institutes of Health and from private foundations.[4][24][25]