Finding gene changes in individual leukemia cells for better diagnosis
Official title: Large scale single-cell gene rearrangement detection with a microfluidic device
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-11146427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a new, more precise way to find genetic changes in individual leukemia cells to help doctors better understand and treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,266 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251848-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia could potentially benefit from the improved diagnostic and treatment selection capabilities developed through this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without acute myeloid leukemia would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic improvement.
What this research studies
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a serious cancer, and current ways to diagnose it and choose treatments aren't always as precise as we need. This project is creating a new method called S-CytoSeq, which uses advanced technology to look at the genetic makeup of individual leukemia cells. By examining many cells one by one, S-CytoSeq can find specific gene changes, like fusion genes and alternative splicing, with much greater detail. The hope is that this new approach will give doctors a clearer picture of a patient's AML, leading to more effective and personalized treatment plans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new method could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-tailored treatment choices for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon existing single-cell analysis technologies, applying them in a novel way to improve AML diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhong, John — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Zhong, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
LLU's shared-use facility to advance cellular therapy and regenerative medicine
A new shared laboratory facility at Loma Linda University will enable cell therapy and regenerative medicine work that could help people with cancer, blood disorders, and immune-related conditions.
-
Brain support cells in newborn brain injury after birth asphyxia
This grant studies how brain-supporting cells called pericytes affect brain damage after a newborn experiences a lack of oxygen at birth, with potential to guide new treatments.
-
Digitally supported community workers helping HPB cancer patients receive early palliative care
A pilot program uses digital tools and community health workers to bring early palliative care and support to people with HPB cancers and their caregivers.
-
REASON Score: an epigenetic and clinicopathologic approach to predict survival risk in early oral cancer
A new biomarker-based score using DNA methylation and clinicopathology to predict survival risk for people with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.
-
Effects of chronic low oxygen on brain blood flow control in newborns
A study in newborns and animal models will explore how chronic low oxygen affects the brain’s ability to keep blood flow steady, which is crucial for preventing brain injuries.
-
Endothelial potassium channels and brain aging
A study in mice and aging adults to understand how tiny blood vessels in the brain fail and contribute to dementia, with the goal of identifying targets to protect brain blood flow in people at risk.
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.