NSD2-NEO1 pathway and CNS spread of childhood ALL
Official title: The role of NSD2-NEO1 axis in CNS infiltration of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11447279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric leukemia study looks at how a gene mutation helps leukemia cells reach the brain, with the aim of finding targeted, less toxic treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $492,980 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308034-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are children aged 0-11 diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those at risk for CNS involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Very young children without CNS involvement or without NSD2-associated pathways may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) whose disease may invade the central nervous system. Researchers will explore how NSD2 mutations change gene activity and cell behavior to promote CNS entry, using advanced chromatin and sequencing methods to identify key pathways. The goal is to uncover targeted strategies that limit CNS infiltration and reduce long-term side effects from therapy. The work builds on preliminary findings that connect NSD2 mutations to altered adhesion and migration of leukemia cells, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets. Results could pave the way for treatments that are effective against CNS relapse with fewer harmful effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to targeted therapies that prevent CNS relapse and lessen treatment-related toxicity for pediatric ALL patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work linking NSD2 mutations to leukemic behavior supports the potential for meaningful advances, though direct CNS-targeted strategies remain under development.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jianping — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Li, Jianping
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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.