DNA methylation epimutations linked to AML development
Official title: DNA methylation epimutations in leukemia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11454858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how epigenetic changes in blood stem cells may drive acute myeloid leukemia in people with normal chromosomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $643,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308145-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those with normal karyotype AML and related pre-leukemic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AML or those not matching the pre-leukemic/epigenetic context may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how DNA methylation patterns, rather than DNA sequence changes, might contribute to the transformation of pre-leukemic states into AML. Using long-read sequencing, the team has identified allele-specific methylation blocks that stay stable from diagnosis to relapse and even in remission with clonal disease. The work will explore how these epimutations relate to chromatin accessibility and the activity of key genes like GATA2 and HOXB, which influence blood cell formation and self-renewal. If these epigenetic markers are validated, they could point to new avenues for early detection or targeted therapies in AML.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could illuminate new biomarkers or therapeutic targets to catch AML earlier or tailor treatments based on a patient’s epigenetic profile.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings show stable allele-specific DNA methylation linked to AML, suggesting this is a promising but still emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, David H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Spencer, David H
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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.