A new way to reprogram lymphoid leukemia cells so they can mature and stop dividing
A novel strategy for transcriptional reprogramming of lymphoid leukemia cells
Researchers are developing a method to unlock and mature leukemia cells so they stop dividing and become less aggressive for people with B- or T‑cell acute leukemias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is working in the lab to change immature leukemia cells so they can resume normal maturation instead of remaining stuck and rapidly dividing. Scientists are studying how DNA packaging and a chemical mark called H3K27me3 create a barrier that prevents this maturation and are testing ways to remove that block. The team will use patient-derived leukemia cells and laboratory models, building on lessons from ATRA/arsenic treatment in APL. If the lab steps succeed, the findings could guide development of new therapies for B‑cell and T‑cell leukemias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‑ALL) or T‑cell lymphoid leukemias who can donate tumor samples or be considered for future clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑lymphoid cancers, unrelated medical conditions, or those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit are unlikely to see direct benefits from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to treatments that force leukemia cells to mature and stop proliferating, potentially reducing relapse and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Reprogramming cancer cells has been clinically successful mainly for acute promyelocytic leukemia using ATRA and arsenic, but applying similar reprogramming strategies to lymphoid leukemias is largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calabretta, Bruno — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Calabretta, Bruno
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.