Stopping mitochondrial calcium to eliminate leukemia stem cells
Targeting mitochondrial calcium to eradicate leukemia-initiating cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11146705
This project tests whether blocking calcium uptake into mitochondria can kill leukemia stem cells that resist venetoclax plus azacitidine in people with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146705 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on leukemia-initiating (stem) cells that survive initial treatment with venetoclax and azacitidine and cause relapses. They will study why some of these resistant cells rely on taking up calcium into their mitochondria and will use drugs and genetic approaches in lab models and patient-derived samples to block that process. The team will compare effects on resistant leukemia cells versus normal blood stem cells to find treatments that target cancer while sparing healthy cells. Results will guide development of new therapies to prevent relapse after ven/aza treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia who have received venetoclax plus azacitidine and who have resistant disease or are at high risk of relapse are the main candidates, including those able to provide samples for research.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia, those never treated with venetoclax plus azacitidine, or whose disease does not depend on mitochondrial calcium are less likely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce therapies that eliminate drug-resistant leukemia stem cells and lower the chance of relapse in AML patients treated with venetoclax plus azacitidine.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting mitochondrial metabolism has shown promising preclinical results in related research, and targeting the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a newer but encouraging approach in lab studies.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JORDAN, CRAIG T. — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: JORDAN, CRAIG T.
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 below.