Investigating how DLK1 helps keep blood stem cells inactive
Official title: DLK1 regulates HSC quiescence through phase separation mediated inhibition of receptor signaling
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11051054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called DLK1 to see how it helps keep blood stem cells in a resting state, which could lead to better ways to improve blood stem cell function and make transplants more successful for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,321 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173520-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may require blood stem cell transplantation or have conditions affecting blood cell production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully functional blood stem cells or those not requiring stem cell interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of DLK1, a protein that may help maintain blood stem cells in a quiescent (inactive) state, preventing them from differentiating into other cell types. By studying how DLK1 affects the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could enhance blood stem cell function and improve outcomes in blood stem cell transplantation. The study involves experiments with cord blood CD34+ cells to assess how manipulating DLK1 levels influences stem cell growth and engraftment in animal models. Through advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the research will explore the transcriptional changes in stem cells when DLK1 is altered.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for preserving and enhancing the function of blood stem cells, which is crucial for effective blood stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating stem cell behavior through similar molecular pathways, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Irwin D — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Irwin D
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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.