Altered 3‑D DNA structure in acute myeloid leukemia
Dysregulated genome architecture in acute myeloid leukemia
This work looks at how changes in the way DNA is folded and chemically marked affect leukemia cells in people with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have acute myeloid leukemia (AML), this project examines how the DNA in your leukemia cells is arranged in three dimensions and how DNA chemical tags (methylation) change which genes are turned on. Researchers compare patient leukemia samples to normal blood stem cells and map long-range DNA interactions around key genes such as HOXA, MYC, and ETV6. The team uses genome-wide methylation profiling, 3D genome mapping, and CRISPR-based laboratory experiments to test how those changes drive leukemia cell behavior. The goal is to find specific regulatory elements that might be targeted to stop leukemia growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia — especially those whose leukemia carries IDH1 or IDH2 mutations or shows altered HOX gene activity — would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without AML, those with unrelated cancers, or patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to see direct benefit because this is primarily laboratory-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new biological targets that lead to treatments that block the harmful gene regulation driving AML.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked DNA methylation changes and IDH mutations to AML and IDH-targeting drugs have helped some patients, but using 3‑D genome architecture mapping to guide new therapies is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, David H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Spencer, David H
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.