Blocking a protein reader that helps MLL‑rearranged leukemia grow
Mechanism and therapeutic opportunities of targeting the Tudor domain
This project tests whether blocking a protein called SGF29 can help stop aggressive MLL‑rearranged (MLL‑r) leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235111 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how SGF29, a protein that reads specific histone marks, helps turn on cancer-driving genes in MLL‑r leukemia and how it recruits enzymes that keep those genes active. They use CRISPR screening, laboratory cell models, and animal models to see what happens when SGF29 is removed or blocked. The team will also test drug combinations that pair SGF29 targeting with DOT1L inhibitors, a class of drugs that has shown some responses in MLL‑r patients. The goal is to find combinations that more effectively shut down the leukemia program and move promising approaches toward patient testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with MLL‑rearranged acute leukemia, especially those with relapsed or hard‑to‑treat disease, would be the intended group for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose leukemia does not have MLL rearrangements or who have unrelated cancers are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug combinations that better control or treat MLL‑rearranged leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: DOT1L inhibitors have produced some clinical responses in MLL‑r leukemia, but targeting SGF29 is a novel strategy that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chun-Wei David — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chun-Wei David
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.