How the HOTTIP–β-catenin–HOXA9–PRMT1 gene network keeps leukemia stem cells alive
Role of HOTTIP/beta-catenin-HOXA9/PRMT1 axis in hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · NIH-11124853
Researchers will look at how a specific gene network helps leukemia stem cells survive in adults with acute myeloid leukemia and seek weak points that could be targeted to stop those cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HERSHEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have AML, researchers may ask you to donate blood or bone marrow samples so they can study the HOTTIP–β-catenin–HOXA9–PRMT1 network that controls stem-cell self-renewal. They will compare leukemia stem cells with normal adult blood stem cells and use lab models and animal experiments to see how disrupting this network affects leukemia cells. The team will use genetic tools and drug-like compounds in the lab to identify parts of the pathway that can be blocked without harming healthy cells. Findings are intended to point to new molecular targets for future AML treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia who are willing to provide blood or bone marrow samples for research.
Not a fit: People without AML or those seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct health benefits from participating in this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal targets for therapies that selectively eliminate leukemia stem cells while sparing normal blood stem cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows β-catenin and HOXA9 help leukemia stem cells survive, but directly targeting these factors has been difficult, so studying this regulatory network is a relatively new and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
HERSHEY, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR — HERSHEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUANG, SUMING — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- Study coordinator: HUANG, SUMING
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.