Developing new drugs to target a key gene in acute myeloid leukemia

A Multiplatform Approach to Develop ENL-Targeting Molecules as Drug Candidates for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

NIH-funded research Texas A&m University · NIH-11089398

This study is looking at a gene called MLL that often causes problems in people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the researchers want to find new medicines that can better target a related protein to help improve treatment and survival for patients with this blood cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, United States)
Project IDNIH-11089398 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious blood cancer that requires urgent treatment. The team is investigating a specific gene, MLL, which is often mutated in AML and is linked to poor patient outcomes. They aim to create new drug candidates that can effectively target the ENL protein associated with MLL mutations. By using advanced techniques to analyze the effectiveness of these compounds, they hope to identify promising therapies that could improve survival rates for patients with AML.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those with mutations in the MLL gene.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those whose AML does not involve MLL mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar genetic alterations in leukemia, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

College Station, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.