Blocking MARCH5 to help leukemia drugs kill AML cells
Characterizing the role of MARCH5 in apoptosis regulation in acute myeloid leukemia
This project looks at whether blocking a protein called MARCH5 can make AML cells die more easily and help existing leukemia drugs work better for people with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on MARCH5, a protein that appears to protect AML cells from programmed cell death. Using genetic CRISPR screens and leukemia cells, they found MARCH5 is important for AML cell survival and makes cells more sensitive to the BCL2 blocker venetoclax when lowered. The work will map which parts of the MARCH5 protein keep cells alive and test MARCH5-targeting approaches in lab and mouse models to see if they boost venetoclax effects. Findings are intended to guide development of new drugs or combination strategies for AML patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those receiving or who have developed resistance to BCL2-targeting therapy like venetoclax, would be the most relevant group for future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: Because this is early laboratory and animal-focused research, people without AML or whose leukemia does not depend on the BCL2/apoptosis pathway are unlikely to benefit directly at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, targeting MARCH5 could make venetoclax and related treatments work better and help overcome drug resistance in AML patients.
How similar studies have performed: BCL2 inhibitors such as venetoclax have helped some AML patients, but directly targeting MARCH5 is a newer approach mainly supported by lab and animal data so far.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Shan — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lin, Shan
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.