Targeting diverse stem cells in myelodysplastic syndrome to eradicate the disease
Official title: Metabolic targeting of heterogenous myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11401024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at identifying weaknesses in the diverse stem cell populations of myelodysplastic syndrome so future treatments can wipe out the root cause of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $423,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA286717-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome or those whose disease involves heterogeneous MDS stem cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to MDS or those not eligible for the study’s specific therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding the different subtypes of MDS stem cells and how they respond to current therapies. Researchers are studying the biology of these cells in the lab and building on a clinical trial that targets protein production with omacetaxine in high-risk MDS. The goal is to find new, more effective ways to eliminate MDS stem cells across all subtypes. The work seeks to translate lab findings into better, next‑generation treatments for patients with MDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have more effective treatment options that target the root of MDS and reduce disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies with omacetaxine plus azacitidine show promise, but not all MDS stem cell subtypes are controlled yet.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pietras, Eric M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Pietras, Eric M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New treatment approach for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
This project aims to develop a new antibody-based therapy to help people with MDS or AML, especially older or frail patients who cannot tolerate high-dose chemotherapy.
-
Targeting metabolic weak spots in myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells
The team is trying metabolism-based treatments to kill the stem cells that drive high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
-
Investigating the role of PI3 kinase in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
This study is looking at how certain changes in genes might affect blood cell production in older adults with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and it hopes to find new ways to help improve treatment for people with this condition.
-
Identifying harmful and harmless genetic variations in blood cancer predisposition genes
This study is looking at how certain changes in a gene called DDX41 might affect the chances of developing blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), so that doctors can provide better advice and support for patients at risk.
-
Investigating CCRL2's role in myelodysplastic syndrome
This study is looking at how a specific gene called CCRL2 affects the growth of harmful cells in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), especially in men, to find new ways to improve treatment for people with this blood disorder.
-
Understanding how immune evasion occurs in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome
This study is looking at how a protein called VISTA helps high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) avoid being attacked by the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments 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.