How the STAG2 gene affects blood stem cells and leukemia
The role of the cohesin complex in hematopoietic transformation and leukemia maintenance
Researchers are looking at whether restoring a broken gene called STAG2 can return blood stem cells toward normal behavior in people with AML or related disorders.
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-11162538 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how loss of the STAG2 gene changes the three-dimensional folding of DNA in blood stem and progenitor cells and how that drives leukemia. Scientists will use advanced lab methods (3D chromatin mapping, RNA sequencing, and targeted genetic switches) on mouse models and on human bone marrow samples from a biorepository. They will test whether turning STAG2 back on can reverse the abnormal self-renewal of leukemia stem cells and how STAG2 interacts with common mutations like FLT3. The work combines lab experiments on cells and analyses of patient-derived samples to find the key DNA regions and genes that keep leukemia going.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), especially those with STAG2 or FLT3 mutations, or patients able to donate bone marrow samples, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Because this is laboratory and sample-based research rather than a treatment trial, most patients—particularly those without AML/MDS or without the specific mutations—should not expect direct clinical benefit in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal targets to stop leukemia stem cells and guide development of new treatments for AML and MDS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked cohesin and STAG2 mutations to myeloid cancers, but using reversible genetics with detailed 3D chromatin mapping in patient samples is a newer and 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.