How blood cells form: uncovering genetic controls using fruit flies
Genomic and Genetic Dissection of Hematopoietic Development in Drosophila
Researchers are using fruit flies to find the genes and signals that guide blood cell development to help people with blood disorders like leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses fruit flies to map the genes and signals that control how blood precursor cells make the choice to stay as progenitors or become mature blood cells. Scientists combine fly genetics with transcriptome (RNA) analysis to compare related cell types and identify lineage biases. They focus on two transient cell populations that send different signals and on how the cell cycle links to differentiation decisions. The goal is to reveal conserved pathways that could point to new targets or biomarkers for treating leukemias and other blood diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with leukemia or other hematopoietic disorders might be candidates for related translational studies or future clinical trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment or those without blood disorders are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new biological targets or biomarkers that guide development of future therapies for leukemia and other blood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and fruit fly studies have successfully revealed conserved blood-development pathways that informed mammalian and leukemia research, so this approach builds on well-established methods.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Siekhaus, Daria E — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Siekhaus, Daria E
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.