Blocking mitochondrial RNA chemical tags to fight high‑risk acute myeloid leukemia
Targeting mitochondrial RNA methylation in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia
This project will try to weaken leukemia stem cells in people with high‑risk acute myeloid leukemia by blocking a chemical tag on mitochondrial RNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245764 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to understand a specific chemical modification on mitochondrial RNA that helps treatment‑resistant leukemia stem cells survive. They identified the enzyme METTL17 as a possible weak spot and will use data analysis, patient samples, cell models, and animal studies to see how blocking it affects cancer cell energy use. The team will study how this mitochondrial change talks to the cell nucleus and whether stopping it can cut off the leukemia cells' energy supply. If the approach points to a druggable target, it could lead to therapies that reduce relapse in high‑risk AML.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high‑risk acute myeloid leukemia, especially those whose disease has MLL rearrangements or FLT3‑ITD mutations, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated cancers or low‑risk forms of AML are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific mitochondrial RNA‑targeting research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that target leukemia stem cells and lower relapse rates in high‑risk AML patients.
How similar studies have performed: Work targeting mitochondrial metabolism and RNA modifications is a new and promising area with encouraging lab results but limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Rui — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Su, Rui
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.