How DNA cuts in developing B cells affect growth and leukemia risk
RAG-mediated DNA Damage Responses in Immune Development and Function
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143208
This work will find out how natural DNA breaks during B cell development change cell signals and sometimes lead to B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‑ALL).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I or a loved one has B‑cell leukemia, this team is studying the natural DNA cuts that happen when B cells make antibody genes and how those cuts send signals to slow cell division. They will use laboratory models and human-derived samples to trace how RAG-generated DNA breaks turn down SYK and pre‑BCR signaling. The researchers will test what happens when this feedback is missing and whether loss of the circuit leads to pre‑B cell leukemia. Their goal is to explain why some B cells become cancerous and point toward targets that might prevent or treat B‑ALL.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any human-participant parts of this work would be people with B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or individuals willing to donate blood or bone marrow samples for research.
Not a fit: People without B‑cell disorders or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify new molecular targets to prevent or treat B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has shown that faulty signaling can drive leukemia, but the specific DNA-break–triggered feedback pathway described here is a novel finding.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BEDNARSKI, JEFFREY J — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BEDNARSKI, JEFFREY 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.