Investigating the role of PRL3 in promoting survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Official title: The Phosphatase PRL3 as a MYC Target and Pro-Survival Oncogene in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10840784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PRL3 works with the MYC gene to help leukemia cells survive, with the hope of finding new treatments that are easier on kids with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia than regular chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $332,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA227656-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, particularly those who have not responded to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those whose ALL is in remission may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the phosphatase PRL3 interacts with the MYC oncogene to promote survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). By using advanced models, including zebrafish and human cell studies, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which PRL3 contributes to leukemia progression. The goal is to identify potential targeted therapies that could minimize the severe side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, especially for pediatric patients. This work could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target the molecular pathways involved in ALL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that improve survival rates and reduce side effects for patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of phosphatases in cancer is being explored, this specific approach targeting PRL3 in MYC-driven ALL is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blackburn, Jessica S. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Blackburn, Jessica S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
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-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
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Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
-
Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
-
Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.