How age-related protein stress in blood stem cells may trigger leukemia
The influence of proteostasis loss in aging hematopoietic stem cells on leukemia initiation
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11178628
Researchers are looking at whether loss of protein balance in aging blood-forming stem cells increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178628 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will examine blood-forming stem cells from older people and laboratory models to see how misfolded proteins build up and change cells over time. They are focusing on a stress-sensing protein called Hsf1 and other pathways that control protein production and folding. The team will measure protein stress, gene activity, and cell behavior and test how these changes could favor the emergence of leukemia-causing cells. The work combines human-derived samples with experimental lab models to trace steps from aging-related protein damage to leukemia initiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older, especially older adults and people with early blood abnormalities or increased risk for AML, would be most relevant for related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People with non-AML conditions, children, or patients needing immediate advanced treatment for late-stage AML are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or slow acute myeloid leukemia by protecting protein balance in aging blood stem cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked proteostasis and stem cell aging, but directly tying those changes to AML initiation is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIGNER, ROBERT A.J. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: SIGNER, ROBERT A.J.
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.