Investigating a gene fusion linked to childhood leukemia
Official title: Prevalence and persistence of the ETV6/RUNX1 pre-leukemic clone
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10913294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific gene change linked to childhood leukemia to see how many babies are born with it and what might cause it to develop into leukemia later on, so we can better understand which kids might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $729,403 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269393-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children, particularly those with a family history of leukemia or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already been diagnosed with leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the ETV6/RUNX1 gene fusion, which is associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. By analyzing newborn blood samples, the study aims to identify how many children are born with this pre-leukemic condition and the factors that contribute to its persistence and potential progression to leukemia. The research will involve comparing blood samples from children who later develop leukemia with those from healthy children, providing insights into the early origins of this disease. The findings could help in predicting which children are at risk for developing ALL based on their genetic makeup at birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of children at risk for leukemia, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic markers for leukemia, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcotte, Erin — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Marcotte, Erin
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.