New drug target pathway to fight acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by disrupting selenium use
Official title: Novel regulators of selenoprotein biosynthesis and ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11424976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new grant explores how AML cells depend on selenium metabolism and how blocking certain regulators can trigger cancer cell death, with potential benefits for adults with AML.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $602,080 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315333-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute myeloid leukemia who could benefit from novel targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose AML does not rely on the selenium pathway or who cannot tolerate the proposed therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses computer-based analyses and a whole-genome CRISPR screen to find regulators of selenium biology that help AML cells survive. Researchers will test a promising therapeutic pathway in special mouse models that let them watch how selenoproteins are made in real time. They will uncover exactly how the identified treatment stops selenoprotein production and causes cancer cells to die by ferroptosis. The work includes drug and genetic screens to understand the mechanism and to identify possible combination approaches. Ultimately, findings could point to new treatments for adults with AML, especially older patients who currently have poor outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that improve survival for adults with AML by exploiting weaknesses in selenium metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using CRISPR screens and animal models support the feasibility of targeting selenium metabolism in cancer, though this specific pathway is being explored in AML.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakada, Daisuke — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Nakada, Daisuke
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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.