How the MLL3 gene controls blood stem cell renewal and fate
The role of Kmt2c/MLL3 in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, commitment and exhaustion
This work looks at how the MLL3 gene helps blood stem cells decide whether to keep renewing or become mature blood cells, which matters for blood cancers and age-related blood changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309152 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying two related epigenetic regulators (MLL3 and MLL4) that help control how adult blood stem cells self-renew, commit to specific blood lineages, or become exhausted. The team will use cellular assays, genetic models (including mice), and analysis of human blood or marrow samples to see how these proteins change gene activity at enhancer regions. They will map the molecular partners and gene programs tied to MLL3/MLL4 function and test what happens when these factors are altered. The goal is to link those molecular changes to problems seen in clonal hematopoiesis and some leukemias so future therapies can target the underlying mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults able to provide blood or bone marrow samples, including people with clonal hematopoiesis, myeloid malignancies (like AML/MDS), or healthy adult volunteers for comparison.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate clinical treatment benefit, or those with conditions unrelated to blood or bone marrow, are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets and a better understanding that someday leads to treatments or prevention strategies for blood cancers and age-related blood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked MLL3/MLL4 mutations to clonal hematopoiesis and leukemia, but detailed functional and mechanistic studies like this are relatively recent and still developing.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magee, Jeffrey Alan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Magee, Jeffrey Alan
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.