How steroid medicines control gene switches in B‑cell leukemia
Deciphering the underlying structure of the glucocorticoid gene regulatory network
This project looks at how steroid medicines change gene switches in B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia to understand why some patients' cancers resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307545 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will map the DNA control regions that respond to glucocorticoid (steroid) drugs by combining gene activity and epigenetic data with high-throughput lab tests. They will study leukemia cells, including patient-derived samples, to see which DNA changes reduce cell death after steroid treatment. Functional experiments will modify specific regulatory elements to observe how those changes alter gene responses and drug sensitivity. Results will be compared to patient outcomes to link molecular changes with relapse risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia—especially those who have a poor response to steroid therapy or who have relapsed—would be most relevant for this research.
Not a fit: Patients without B‑cell ALL or whose care does not use glucocorticoids are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify DNA markers that predict steroid resistance and suggest new ways to help more B‑ALL patients respond to therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including work from this group, have mapped steroid‑responsive regulatory elements and linked some disruptions to resistance, but turning these findings into clinical tests or treatments remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savic, Daniel — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Savic, Daniel
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.