New gene clue for a high-risk B-ALL (Ph/Ph-like)
Official title: The Role and Function of a Novel Signature Gene in BCR::ABL1 (Ph) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11394431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying a newly identified gene, A978, to understand why certain aggressive B-ALL types resist standard therapy and how targeting this gene could improve outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,090 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA300358-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with Ph-positive or Ph-like B-ALL or related B-cell precursor leukemias, who could participate through patient-derived models or future clinical applications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose leukemia does not involve A978 or does not respond to therapies targeting mitochondrial and metabolic pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a gene called A978 that is highly active in Ph-positive and Ph-like B-ALL. Researchers will study what A978 does in leukemia cells and how it interacts with mitochondria and cellular metabolism. They will use lab-grown leukemia cells, patient-derived models, and advanced sequencing and proteomics to map the gene’s functions and test whether inhibiting A978 can enhance treatment effectiveness. The work combines in vitro experiments with animal models to explore a potential new therapy pathway for a difficult-to-treat group of patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve survival for patients with Ph-positive or Ph-like B-ALL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified mitochondrial proteins as contributors to leukemia cell survival, but this specific gene A978 and its inhibitors are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gu, Zhaohui — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Gu, Zhaohui
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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.