How common DNA changes help blood stem cells expand in clonal blood disorders
Mutual reinforcement between somatic mutations and transcription factors in clonal hematopoiesis
This project looks at how a frequent DNA change (C-to-T) and certain gene regulators cause blood stem cells to grow abnormally in people with clonal hematopoiesis or myelodysplastic syndromes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251786 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically modified mice and precise CRISPR gene editing to test whether C-to-T DNA changes drive abnormal growth of blood stem and progenitor cells. They will map how these DNA changes and altered DNA methylation change where transcription factors bind across the genome. Bone marrow and purified blood stem cells from people with clonal hematopoiesis and MDS will be profiled to confirm findings seen in the lab and in animals. The team combines biochemical, structural, and epigenomic analyses to link molecular changes to clonal expansion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with clonal hematopoiesis or myelodysplastic syndromes who can provide blood or bone marrow samples would be the best candidates to contribute to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without clonal blood changes or those unable or unwilling to give blood or bone marrow samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers or targets to detect or block dangerous blood stem cell clones before they progress to leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found C-to-T mutations in clonal hematopoiesis and used animal and CRISPR models to study mutations, but linking these mutations to changes in transcription-factor binding is a newer idea still being explored.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Yun — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Huang, Yun
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.