MSI2 and how blood stem cells decide to renew or change
Uncovering the role for MSI2 network in hematopoietic stem cells
This project looks at how the protein MSI2 helps blood stem cells choose whether to make more stem cells or turn into other blood cells, which may explain why some people develop age‑related blood changes that raise leukemia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375763 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the MSI2 RNA‑binding protein network in blood‑forming stem cells using a mix of human genetic data, patient‑derived samples, and laboratory models. They will track individual stem cell divisions with barcoding and single‑cell methods to see how MSI2 influences symmetric versus asymmetric division. The team will compare people who carry a protective MSI2 enhancer variant to those who do not to pinpoint molecular features that resist clonal outgrowth. Findings will connect basic cell behaviors to clonal hematopoiesis and early steps toward MDS and AML.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age‑related clonal hematopoiesis, those with early signs of MDS/AML, or individuals willing to provide blood samples for genetic and cellular studies would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without blood disorders or whose leukemia is driven by unrelated pathways are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets or markers to prevent or detect dangerous clonal blood changes earlier and reduce progression to blood cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have implicated MSI2 in blood stem cell behavior and cancer biology, but linking MSI2 network variation to human resilience against clonal hematopoiesis is a newer, emerging area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kharas, Michael — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Kharas, Michael
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.