How the cohesin DNA‑looping machine affects blood stem cells and leukemia
The role of the cohesin complex in hematopoietic transformation and leukemia maintenance
Researchers will look at how losing the STAG2 part of the cohesin complex changes DNA folding and gene activity in blood stem cells to learn more about acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211054 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have AML or related bone marrow disease, the team will compare mouse and human blood stem and progenitor cells to see how STAG2 loss changes three‑dimensional DNA folding and gene activity. They will use sensitive lab methods (low‑input Hi‑ChIP, Hi‑C, ChIP for enhancer marks, and RNA‑seq) to map loops and enhancer activity in defined cell populations. The investigators will use a genetic on/off system for STAG2 in animal models to test whether restoring STAG2 reverses those changes and to pinpoint DNA regions that control self‑renewal versus differentiation. They also have a well‑annotated MDS/AML patient biorepository and healthy bone marrow samples to connect the lab findings to real patient material.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with MDS or AML who can donate bone marrow or blood samples, or who are enrolled in the group's biorepository at Columbia.
Not a fit: People with non‑blood cancers or those seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this basic translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal DNA folding changes that drive AML and point to new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for blood cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked cohesin and STAG2 mutations to leukemia biology, but using an on/off genetic allele and low‑input 3D chromatin mapping to reverse and map those changes is a newer, less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viny, Aaron D — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Viny, Aaron D
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.