Genetic differences in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Germline and Somatic Genomic Studies in CLL
Researchers are comparing inherited DNA and tumor DNA from people with CLL—especially African American patients and those diagnosed younger—to learn why the disease can start earlier and act more aggressively in some groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125796 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will collect and analyze both inherited (germline) and tumor (somatic) DNA from people with CLL using multiple genomic methods to search for biological differences that may affect disease course. The team will perform multi-omic sequencing and compare their results to publicly available CLL datasets to identify shared and unique genetic features. The work emphasizes patterns seen in African American patients, including younger age at diagnosis and shorter survival, to pinpoint genomic signals linked to those outcomes. Findings are based on lab sequencing and computational analysis and are intended to improve understanding rather than change immediate treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with CLL—particularly African American patients or those diagnosed at a younger age—would be the most likely candidates to provide samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People without CLL or with unrelated conditions would not be eligible and would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal genetic markers that improve prognosis estimates or guide more personalized approaches for groups with more aggressive CLL.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genomic research has identified important CLL mutations and suggested racial differences, but this multi-omic, U.S.-representative approach adds new breadth and is partly novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slager, Susan L — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Slager, Susan L
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.