Epigenetic changes that drive TP53-mutant acute myeloid leukemia
Dysregulated epigenetic control in leukemogenesis
This project looks at how mutant p53 changes gene control and 3D genome structure in blood stem cells from people with TP53-mutant acute myeloid leukemia to find new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's point of view, researchers are studying blood stem cells that carry TP53 mutations linked to high-risk AML. They will use lab experiments and sequencing tools (RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, ChIP‑seq) plus 3D genome mapping (Hi‑C) to see how mutant p53 changes which genes turn on and how DNA is folded. The team tests effects on cell growth and self‑renewal in lab dishes and animal models to connect molecular changes to leukemia behavior. Findings will guide searches for drugs that can block the harmful effects of mutant p53.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those whose leukemia has TP53 mutations or who can donate blood or bone marrow samples.
Not a fit: People with other types of cancer or AML without TP53 mutations are less likely to directly benefit from findings focused on TP53‑driven disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to improve outcomes for people with TP53‑mutant AML, a form of leukemia with few effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown mutant p53 can alter stem cell behavior and gene regulation, but combining chromatin accessibility, histone marks and Hi‑C to map 3D genome changes in TP53‑mutant AML is a newer, less explored approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yan — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yan
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.