Targeting a specific protein to treat chronic myeloid leukemia
Official title: A Leukemia Cell-Specific Coiled-Coil Protein for Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11001839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $348,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA244583-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, particularly those with Bcr-Abl positive status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those without the Bcr-Abl mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a small protein that can inhibit the dimerization of Bcr-Abl, a protein responsible for the majority of chronic myeloid leukemia cases. By preventing Bcr-Abl from dimerizing, the treatment aims to disrupt its oncogenic activity, which is crucial for the progression of the disease. The approach involves using a computationally designed coiled-coil mutant that selectively interacts with Bcr-Abl, potentially offering a new therapeutic strategy. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment if it proves effective in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting protein dimerization for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Carol S. — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Lim, Carol S.
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
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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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Targeting a specific protein to eliminate leukemia stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia.
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.
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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.
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.