Targeting a specific protein to eliminate leukemia stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Official title: Targeting DYRK2 to eradicate leukemia stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11109689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by focusing on a protein called DYRK2, which could help make leukemia stem cells less likely to survive, so patients might be able to stop their current treatments without their cancer coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283079-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia who have not achieved a complete cure with current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who have not been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of blood cancer that persists due to the presence of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) even after treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The team aims to explore a new mechanism involving the protein DYRK2, which plays a crucial role in controlling the survival and self-renewal of LSCs. By investigating how to enhance DYRK2 levels, the researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could lead to better treatment outcomes and potentially allow patients to stop TKIs without relapse. The approach includes both genetic studies and the identification of compounds that can stabilize DYRK2 in CML cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for CML, potentially allowing patients to achieve long-term remission without continuous therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still considered novel in the context of CML.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacorazza, Daniel — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lacorazza, Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Chronic myeloid leukemia: how T cells and leukemia stem cells interact during treatment
This NIH grant explores how immune cells and stubborn leukemia stem cells interact during therapy to better predict if patients can stay off treatment.
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Targeting DYRK2 to kill leukemia stem cells in CML
Aims to find ways to remove leukemia stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia by boosting a protein (DYRK2) that can halt their growth.
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Why chronic myeloid leukemia sometimes resists treatment and how to improve TKI care
This project looks at why some people with chronic myeloid leukemia respond differently to tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs and aims to help more patients get deeper, longer-lasting remissions.
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Understanding how some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia can remain healthy without treatment
This study is looking into why some people with chronic myeloid leukemia can stay healthy without taking their medication, using mice to find out what helps them maintain remission, which could lead to better ways to manage the condition and lessen the need for long-term treatment.
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Improving treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia with targeted therapies
This study is looking for ways to help people with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) respond better to their main treatment, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), especially during the first year after they are diagnosed, so that more patients can achieve a lasting remission and possibly a cure.
-
Targeting a specific protein to treat chronic myeloid leukemia
This study is testing a new small protein that could help stop a key protein linked to chronic myeloid leukemia from working against you, and if it works, it might offer a fresh treatment option for patients like you.
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.