Targeting a protein interaction to improve treatment for acute leukemia
Official title: Targeting Menin in Acute Leukemia with Upregulated HOX Genes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11078720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, menin and MLL1, work together in acute leukemia, and it's testing new medicines that could help patients, especially those with tough genetic challenges, by blocking this interaction to improve their treatment options and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272561-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with acute leukemia, particularly those with MLL1 translocations or mutations in the NPM1 or NUP98 genes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute leukemia who do not have MLL1 translocations or the specific mutations targeted by this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the critical interaction between the menin and MLL1 proteins, which is essential for the development of acute leukemia. By developing small molecule inhibitors that disrupt this interaction, the research aims to create new targeted therapies for patients suffering from acute leukemia, particularly those with poor prognoses due to specific genetic mutations. The approach involves advanced medicinal chemistry to optimize these inhibitors for maximum effectiveness. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment option that could improve survival rates and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates for acute leukemia patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar protein interactions in leukemia, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grembecka, Jolanta — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Grembecka, Jolanta
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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A physician-scientist team is studying the genetic drivers of pediatric acute leukemia to find new ways to diagnose and treat it, with the goal of improving cure rates for kids.
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Understanding and Targeting Extramedullary Acute Leukemia
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Diversifying acute leukemia trial enrollment through multilevel approach
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-
Blocking menin to treat acute leukemias with high HOX gene activity
This work develops new drugs that block a protein called menin to help people with certain aggressive acute leukemias driven by HOX gene activation.
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.