DNMT3A's role in blood cancers

DNMT3A in Development of Hematologic Malignancies

['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11237988

This project looks at how changes in the DNMT3A gene help cause leukemias like AML, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment for people with blood cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11237988 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will examine how DNMT3A mutations change blood stem cells and allow early pre-cancerous clones to survive and expand. They will use mouse models, human leukemia cell lines, and patient leukemia samples to see how loss of DNMT3A alters chromatin and boosts the activity of a common partner mutation, NPM1c. The team will trace steps from the initial mutation through transformation to identify weak points in pre-malignant cells. Findings will be used to suggest ways to detect or remove these early clones before they become aggressive leukemia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with AML or related blood cancers, or individuals found to have DNMT3A or NPM1 mutations or clonal hematopoiesis who can provide samples or medical data.

Not a fit: People whose leukemia is driven by unrelated mutations or those with very advanced disease may not receive direct benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests or treatments that detect or remove pre-leukemia clones and reduce progression to AML.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown DNMT3A mutations are common in pre-leukemic clones and linked to leukemia risk, but turning those findings into preventive treatments is still at an early, experimental stage.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.