GATA2 switches that control blood stem cells

Hematopoietic Regulation via GATA Switches

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11257330

This work looks at how small gene switches around GATA2 change blood stem cells and relate to GATA2 deficiency, MDS, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11257330 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers use mouse models that mimic GATA2 silencing and study human genetic variants at two key enhancer sites (+9.5 and -77) that control GATA2. They combine clinical genetic data, multi-omics measurements, and laboratory "rescue" experiments to measure GATA2 activity and how blood progenitor cells respond to signals. The team searches for secondary changes that allow GATA2 variants to cause disease and tests whether restoring GATA2 normalizes cell behavior. Results aim to explain why some people with GATA2 variants develop immunodeficiency, MDS, or AML while others do not.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with known or suspected GATA2 mutations, family history of GATA2 deficiency, or patients with MDS/AML undergoing genetic evaluation are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose blood disorders are unrelated to GATA2 genetics or who cannot provide genetic or blood samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to better genetic tests and new ways to prevent or treat GATA2-related bone marrow failure, MDS, or AML.

How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and animal work has already linked GATA2 coding and enhancer changes to disease and shown rescue effects in mouse models, but patient-focused translation is still early.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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 2026-06-13 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.