How a vitamin A derivative affects blood cell development in leukemia

Cellular and Molecular mechanisms of ATRA inhibition of osteoblast-induced MDS development

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10993084

This study is looking at how certain bone cells affect blood cell health and could lead to blood cancers like leukemia, and it’s testing a treatment called all-trans-retinoic acid to see if it can help improve conditions for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10993084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of osteoblasts, which are bone cells that influence blood cell formation, in the development of myeloid malignancies like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study focuses on a specific signaling pathway involving beta-catenin that, when mutated, can lead to blood disorders. Researchers are exploring the effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a compound already used in treating certain leukemias, to see if it can inhibit this harmful signaling and improve blood cell health in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and AML. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies for affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukemia who exhibit active beta-catenin signaling in their osteoblasts.

Not a fit: Patients without myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukemia, or those not exhibiting the specific beta-catenin signaling mutation, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve outcomes for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with the use of ATRA in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, suggesting potential for success in similar applications.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.