How the DLK1 protein keeps blood-forming stem cells resting
DLK1 regulates HSC quiescence through phase separation mediated inhibition of receptor signaling
['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11330301
This project looks at whether the protein DLK1 helps adult blood-forming stem cells stay dormant so they keep working well over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330301 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with human blood-forming stem cells (CD34+ cells) and change DLK1 levels to see how those cells behave. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing to track shifts between resting and activated stem cell states. The team will test how DLK1-treated cells perform in standard engraftment models and study the molecular mechanism involving phase separation and receptor signaling. Results will guide ways to preserve or expand healthy stem cells for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who can donate blood or bone marrow samples, or cord blood donors via standard collection pathways, would be the types of people who could participate or provide samples.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those with conditions unrelated to blood stem cells are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to methods that preserve or expand healthy blood stem cells to improve transplants and treatments for blood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and mouse studies have suggested DLK1 can increase primitive blood stem cells, but translating those findings into therapies remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERNSTEIN, IRWIN D — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: BERNSTEIN, IRWIN 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.