Myelofibrosis affects blood cell production through specific signaling pathways
Official title: Myelofibrosis impacts the hematopoietic niche through TNF-a
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10887174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how myelofibrosis affects the bone marrow, which is important for making blood cells, and it aims to find new ways to help improve blood cell production and prevent serious issues like acute leukemia by understanding the signals that disrupt this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,948 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL166969-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with myelofibrosis or related myeloproliferative neoplasms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of blood disorders that do not involve myelofibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how myelofibrosis, a type of blood cancer, alters the environment in the bone marrow that is crucial for producing blood cells. The study focuses on understanding the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and other signals that disrupt the normal function of bone marrow stromal cells, which support blood cell development. By analyzing patient samples, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could help restore normal blood cell production and prevent complications like acute leukemia. The approach includes isolating and studying stromal cells to uncover the mechanisms behind these disruptions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood cell production and reduce the risk of severe complications in patients with myelofibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in myeloproliferative neoplasms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oetjen, Karolyn Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Oetjen, Karolyn Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Strategies to deplete myelofibrosis stem cells using HDM2/p53 pathway
A patient-focused program tests a therapy that may selectively reduce disease-causing blood stem cells in people with myelofibrosis.
-
Megakaryocyte changes in myelofibrosis and its progression to leukemia
A scientist-guided project will study how abnormal megakaryocytes and signals like TGF-β and IL-13 may drive progression from myelofibrosis toward acute leukemia, with potential implications for future treatments.
-
Molecular clues and new therapies for myelofibrosis and related blood cancers
This grant supports research to understand what drives myelofibrosis and related disorders and to develop new treatment ideas for patients.
-
Myelofibrosis and the bone marrow environment: how inflammation changes blood production
A doctor-researcher is studying how inflammation in the bone marrow affects the blood-forming system in people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to find ways to prevent scarring and leukemia.
-
Early detection of treatment response in myelofibrosis using a new imaging technology
A new, quick imaging method could tell patients with myelofibrosis early whether a treatment is working.
-
MYC-driven vulnerability in myelofibrosis could guide new therapies
A new project is exploring how the MYC protein contributes to myelofibrosis and whether it can be targeted to help people with this blood cancer.
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.