Heat shock factors and how they help leukemia cells survive
Role of heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) in hematological malignancies
Researchers are exploring whether blocking a protein called HSF1 can make adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is studying proteins called heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) that help AML cells survive stress from chemotherapy and the immune system. They use laboratory models including patient-derived leukemia cells and animal experiments to see how HSF1 controls cancer cell metabolism and protein balance. The researchers also test drugs or molecular approaches that lower HSF1 activity to see if leukemia cells become more vulnerable. The goal is to discover new treatment strategies that could be combined with existing therapies to overcome drug resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease, are the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without AML or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to make resistant or relapsed AML more treatable by targeting HSF1-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have previously linked HSF1 to cancer cell survival and some preclinical work suggests targeting HSF1 can slow tumor growth, but clinical success in AML has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mivechi, Nahid F — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Mivechi, Nahid F
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.