How the MEF2D gene helps certain acute myeloid leukemias grow
MEF2D-Mediated Transcriptional Control of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Researchers are studying how the MEF2D gene drives MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia to help point to new treatment targets for people with that form of AML.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside MLL (KMT2A)-rearranged AML cells to understand how the MEF2D protein controls genes that keep the leukemia cells immature and proliferating. Investigators found MEF2D is unusually active in MLL-r AML and that reducing MEF2D causes leukemia cells to differentiate by altering CEBPE activity. The team is exploring how MEF2D works with other MEF2 family members and with drugs such as DOT1L and Menin inhibitors to reveal vulnerabilities. The aim is to turn these laboratory findings into markers or targets that could eventually guide therapies for people with MLL-r AML.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with MLL (KMT2A)-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia, including pediatric and adult patients, would be the primary group related to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with AML that does not have an MLL rearrangement or with unrelated blood cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets or biomarkers that improve treatment options for patients with MLL-rearranged AML.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work targeting transcriptional dependencies in MLL-r AML (for example MEF2C, DOT1L, and Menin pathways) has shown promise, but targeting MEF2D itself is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Rui — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lu, Rui
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.