Targeting a key protein to treat acute myeloid leukemia
Official title: Selective targeting of TAF1 function in acute myeloid leukemia
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11037968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by focusing on a protein called TAF1, with the hope of creating drugs that can safely target this protein and improve treatment for patients while causing fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,624 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those with specific genetic markers related to TAF1.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not have the genetic markers associated with TAF1 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting a protein called TAF1, which plays a crucial role in the disease's progression. The researchers are using innovative techniques to create drugs that can effectively degrade TAF1, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients. By understanding how TAF1 functions in AML, they aim to design targeted therapies that minimize effects on normal blood cells, thereby reducing side effects. The study involves both laboratory experiments and the development of new drug compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting TAF1 is a relatively novel approach, similar strategies targeting other proteins in cancer have shown promising results in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schonbrunn, Ernst — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Schonbrunn, Ernst
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Targeting the protein housekeeping system in adult leukemia
Researchers are testing a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia by disrupting how AML cells manage their proteins, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives.
-
Understanding how epigenetic helper proteins drive AML and how to target them
A scientist team is studying how accessory proteins in gene-regulating complexes affect acute myeloid leukemia and whether they can be targeted for safer, more precise therapies.
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Targeting FLVCR1-enabled choline use in a aggressive AML subtype
A new approach aims to block how a specific leukemia subtype (CG-AML) takes up choline to feed its growth, potentially slowing or stopping the disease.
-
Advancing CD70-targeted CAR-NK Therapy for AML
A patient-focused look at a new cell therapy that uses engineered NK cells to target AML by hitting CD70, aiming to reduce relapse with potentially fewer blood cell problems.
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.