Computer analysis of gene transcription control in leukemia and other cancers
Computational Approaches for Studying Transcription Elongation Control in Cancer
This project uses computer and data methods to find how errors in gene transcription drive leukemias and other cancers so researchers can develop better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will apply bioinformatics and machine‑learning tools to analyze next‑generation sequencing and other molecular data from cancer samples, including leukemias with MLL (ALL1) gene changes. They will combine data from different experimental platforms to identify patterns of abnormal transcription elongation and molecular signatures. The computational team will support study design, process raw sequencing reads, and create reproducible workflows so lab findings are clearer and faster. Results are intended to give cancer biologists usable leads for new targets or biomarkers that could inform future therapies or trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with acute myeloid or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those with MLL/ALL1 rearrangements or related transcriptional abnormalities, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms or people without leukemia/MLL‑related changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this computational work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could speed discovery of molecular targets and biomarkers that lead to more effective, targeted treatments for leukemia and related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Bioinformatics and machine‑learning methods have previously identified useful cancer signatures, but applying them specifically to transcription elongation and MLL fusions is relatively novel and still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwanaszko, Marta — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Iwanaszko, Marta
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.