How two forms of the MLLT3 protein control blood-forming stem cells
REGULATION OF HUMAN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL FATE VIA MLLT3 ISOFORMS
Researchers are looking at two versions of a protein called MLLT3 to learn how they help human blood-forming stem cells grow and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on long and short versions of MLLT3 that act differently in human blood stem cells. Scientists change levels of each version in cord blood stem cells grown in the lab to see which supports healthy expansion without turning cancerous. They use gene tools, study changes in cell behavior and gene activity, and test whether treated cells can rebuild blood in specialized mouse models. The aim is to learn how to grow safe, transplantable blood stem cells for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with blood disorders who need or may need stem cell transplants, and individuals who can donate cord blood or other samples for research, are the most relevant groups for this work.
Not a fit: Individuals with unrelated health problems or those not facing blood or bone marrow conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it possible to expand safe, transplantable blood stem cells and increase treatment options for people needing stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work showed that maintaining MLLT3 levels can expand transplantable cord blood stem cells without causing leukemia, while the finding that two MLLT3 isoforms have opposing roles is a newer discovery being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mikkola, Hanna Katri Annikki — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Mikkola, Hanna Katri Annikki
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.