How genetic changes cause congenital dyserythropoietic anemia

The molecular pathophysiology of the congenital dyserythropoietic anemias

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11258943

This project looks for genetic and cellular problems behind congenital dyserythropoietic anemia to find ways to restore healthy red blood cell production for affected adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11258943 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers created human red blood cell precursor cells with the SEC23B defect that causes the most common type of CDA and grow them in the lab to mimic the disease. They used a genome-wide CRISPR gene knockout screen in those cells to find other genes that can rescue the poor red blood cell maturation seen in CDAII. Top hits so far include the genes LRF and miR-451, and the team will study how changing these genes affects survival and differentiation of erythroid cells. Although the work is done in human cells in the lab, the findings are directly tied to mutations found in patients and may guide future patient-focused studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia—especially those with CDAII or known SEC23B mutations—are the group most directly related to this research.

Not a fit: People with other types of anemia or without CDA-related genetic changes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets or strategies to improve red blood cell production and reduce anemia in people with CDA.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research identified SEC23B as a cause of CDAII and early experiments show the CRISPR screen hits (like LRF and miR-451) can modify the defect, but translating these findings toward treatments is still at a preclinical stage.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.