How a JAK2 mutation and missing genes on chromosome 20q make certain blood cancers worse

Molecular Basis for Progression of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Induced by JAK2V617F

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11258551

Researchers will look at how the common JAK2V617F mutation together with loss of genes on chromosome 20q drive progression from polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia to myelofibrosis to find new treatment targets for people with these blood cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11258551 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This work will use patient-derived samples and laboratory models to see how the JAK2V617F mutation and deletion of genes on chromosome 20q, especially PTPN1, push some patients toward myelofibrosis. Scientists will examine molecular signals, genetic changes, and how bone marrow fibrosis develops and progresses. The team will test whether fixing or blocking the pathways they find can reverse fibrosis or overcome resistance to current JAK2 inhibitor drugs in lab models. If promising, these findings could guide new drug development or future clinical trials for people with MPNs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or myelofibrosis—especially those known to have the JAK2V617F mutation and/or chromosome 20q deletions—would be most relevant.

Not a fit: Patients whose disease is driven by other mutations or who do not have JAK2V617F or 20q changes may not directly benefit from the specific findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could point to new drug targets that stop or reverse bone marrow fibrosis and help patients who no longer respond to current JAK2 inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: Existing JAK2 inhibitor drugs can relieve symptoms and shrink spleens but do not reverse marrow fibrosis, and identifying PTPN1 as a tumor suppressor in del20q is a newer direction building on those prior results.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, 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.