Bone marrow signals that make AML resistant to treatment
Trajectory and Architecture of Microenvironment-Mediated Resistance in AML
This project looks at how signals from the bone marrow help leukemia cells survive treatment, aiming to find ways to prevent relapse in people with AML.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are analyzing bone marrow and leukemia samples from people with AML to map the different cell types and the signals they release. Using techniques like ATAC-seq and other genomic "omics", they will track changes in leukemia cells and nearby stromal and immune cells before and after treatment. Building on earlier analysis of 350 patient samples, the team will follow how these interactions lead to acquired drug resistance and identify molecules driving relapse. Those molecules could become targets for therapies that reprogram the bone marrow to help existing treatments kill residual leukemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia—especially those with residual disease after chemotherapy or who are at high risk of relapse—would be the most relevant candidates to participate or benefit.
Not a fit: People without AML or those who cannot provide bone marrow samples are unlikely to have direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent relapse by blocking the bone marrow signals that protect AML cells.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including the team's work on 350 AML samples, have shown the microenvironment influences treatment response, but converting those findings into effective therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agarwal, Anupriya — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Agarwal, Anupriya
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.