How a molecular signaling loop (HOTTIP–β‑catenin–HOXA9–PRMT1) controls normal and leukemia blood stem cells
Role of HOTTIP/beta-catenin-HOXA9/PRMT1 axis in hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells
Looking at whether blocking a chain of molecules (HOTTIP–β‑catenin–HOXA9–PRMT1) can stop the leukemia stem cells that keep adult acute myeloid leukemia going.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11400623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies a group of molecules (a long noncoding RNA called HOTTIP, β‑catenin, HOXA9, and PRMT1) that appear to control self‑renewal in normal blood stem cells and in leukemia stem cells that drive AML. The team will use molecular and cellular experiments, model systems, and analysis of leukemia samples to map how these factors interact. By clarifying the signaling steps that let leukemia stem cells survive and renew, they aim to identify points where new therapies could block those cells. The work is focused on adult AML and is based at Penn State Hershey.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those whose disease is driven by leukemia stem cells, would be the most relevant group for eventual therapies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without AML (including other cancers, non‑hematologic diseases, or children) are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to eliminate leukemia stem cells and lead to better treatments for adult acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked β‑catenin and HOXA9 to AML but directly targeting these factors has been difficult, so combining the lncRNA HOTTIP and PRMT1 angle is a relatively new and promising mechanistic approach.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Suming — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Huang, Suming
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.