Mobile DNA element (LINE-1) effects in acute myeloid leukemia
Elucidating the Functional and Mechanistic Roles of LINE-1 Retrotransposons in Myeloid Leukemia
Researchers are looking at whether turning on LINE‑1 mobile DNA in leukemia cells can weaken acute myeloid leukemia and affect treatment response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have AML, this project looks at how natural 'mobile' DNA pieces called LINE‑1 affect leukemia cells. Researchers use CRISPR gene tools in lab-grown human leukemia cells and in mice to turn LINE‑1 on and watch how the cancer grows and responds to treatment. They also analyze patient leukemia samples and clinical data to link LINE‑1 activity with outcomes and therapy resistance. The team is targeting regulators like MPP8 that normally keep LINE‑1 silent to see if those pathways could become new treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those with treatment-resistant disease or who can provide samples for research, would be the most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without AML or with unrelated non-blood cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment strategies that reactivate LINE‑1 or target its suppressors to make AML more treatable.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have suggested that reactivating LINE‑1 can impair AML cells, but this approach is relatively new and has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Jian — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Xu, Jian
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.