How abnormal platelet‑making cells drive worsening primary myelofibrosis

Project 2: Defining the Role of Megakaryocyte Abnormalities in the Progression of Primary Myelofibrosis

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11094801

Looks at whether changes in megakaryocytes (the cells that make platelets) and the signals they release make primary myelofibrosis worse for people with the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094801 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would hear from researchers who study how certain bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes change as myelofibrosis moves from an early to a fibrotic stage. They are focusing on low GATA1 in these cells and on secreted factors like TGF‑β and IL‑13, plus changes in p53 and HIF‑1α that might harm normal blood stem cells. The team uses patient samples, cell and animal models, and molecular experiments to trace how these changes cause marrow scarring and increase risk of progression to acute leukemia. Their lab work aims to point to targets that could be turned into treatments to slow or stop disease progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis, including those in prefibrotic or early fibrotic stages and those with JAK2, MPL, or CALR mutations, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical or sample‑donation opportunities.

Not a fit: People without myelofibrosis or with unrelated blood disorders are unlikely to benefit directly, and those needing immediate therapy may not see immediate treatment effects from this lab‑focused work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to reduce bone marrow fibrosis and lower the chance myelofibrosis turns into leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research supports a role for megakaryocyte‑derived TGF‑β in marrow fibrosis, but the specific contributions of IL‑13, p53 changes, and HIF‑1α to progression are less explored and more novel.

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.
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.