How aging affects blood stem cells and their role in leukemia development
The influence of proteostasis loss in aging hematopoietic stem cells on leukemia initiation
This study is looking at how getting older affects the blood-making stem cells in our bodies and how problems with protein balance might lead to leukemia, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent this in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10916254 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on blood-forming stem cells and how the loss of protein balance, known as proteostasis, may lead to the initiation of leukemia. The study focuses on understanding the cellular stress experienced by these stem cells as they age, which can result in the accumulation of misfolded proteins. By examining the mechanisms that maintain proteostasis in these cells, the research aims to uncover potential pathways that could be targeted to prevent leukemia in older adults. The approach includes analyzing gene expression and stress-response pathways in aging hematopoietic stem cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old, particularly those at risk for acute myeloid leukemia due to aging.
Not a fit: Patients under 21 years old or those without risk factors for leukemia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing leukemia in older adults by targeting the mechanisms of proteostasis loss.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on proteostasis in aging hematopoietic stem cells is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the role of cellular stress in cancer development.
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.