PHF6 mutation linked leukemia mechanisms explained
Official title: The molecular mechanisms underlying PHF6-mutation-mediated hematologic malignancies
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11333545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how PHF6 mutations drive blood cancers to identify better ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $544,988 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA310862-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with PHF6-associated hematologic malignancies or related leukemias may benefit from future targeted therapies emerging from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PHF6 mutations or unrelated blood cancers may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how truncated forms of PHF6 proteins may promote leukemia, using patient-derived mutations and mouse models. The team will investigate the two possible effects—loss and gain of function—of PHF6 truncations to understand how they influence cancer development. By comparing mutant and normal PHF6 in blood cells, they aim to map the molecular changes that lead to leukemia. Results could point to new therapeutic targets for diverse blood cancers that harbor PHF6 mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could reveal new targets for therapies in PHF6-mutant leukemias and improve understanding of several blood cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models and patient-derived data suggest truncated PHF6 can influence leukemia, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Feng-Chun — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Yang, Feng-Chun
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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.