Genes that make leukemia stem cells grow and cause AML to come back
Genes regulating stem and progenitor cell expansion and relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
This project looks at which genes help leukemia stem cells survive treatment and cause AML to return in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300246 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work follows how long-lived blood stem cells acquire changes that let them survive chemotherapy and later regrow into full leukemia. Researchers will study patient samples alongside lab-grown cells and animal models to trace the steps from normal stem cell to pre-leukemic and leukemic stem cell. By comparing genetic changes and cell behavior before and after treatment, they will pinpoint the mechanisms that allow leukemia to persist and relapse. The goal is to identify genes that could become targets for new tests or therapies to stop relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with AML, especially those in remission or at higher risk of relapse, would be the most relevant candidates to contribute samples or be considered for future trials.
Not a fit: Children, people without AML, or patients needing urgent lifesaving treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to ways to detect or block the cells that cause AML to come back, improving long-term survival.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have identified genes like DNMT3A and TET2 that drive pre-leukemic clones, but translating these findings into reliable relapse-preventing treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malek, Sami Nimer — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Malek, Sami Nimer
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.