Investigating how oncoproteins affect cell behavior in acute leukemia

Oncoprotein-regulated lineage plasticity in acute leukemia

NIH-funded research Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11076739

This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to the KMT2A gene affect leukemia cells, helping us understand why some cells change and might resist treatment, with the goal of finding better therapies for patients with tough-to-treat leukemia.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVan Andel Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Grand Rapids, United States)
Project IDNIH-11076739 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific oncoproteins, particularly those related to the KMT2A gene, influence the behavior of leukemia cells. By examining chromatin changes in single cells, the study aims to uncover how these proteins can cause leukemia cells to switch from one type to another, potentially evading treatment. The research utilizes advanced techniques like single-cell combinatorial indexing CUT&Tag to analyze thousands of cells, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms at play in acute leukemia. This could lead to better-targeted therapies for patients with high-risk leukemia subtypes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with high-risk acute leukemia, particularly those with KMT2A rearrangements.

Not a fit: Patients with low-risk acute leukemia or those whose leukemia does not involve KMT2A rearrangements may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute leukemia by targeting the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lineage plasticity in leukemia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Grand Rapids, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.