Targeting inflammatory pathways in RAS-mutated AML stem cells
Official title: Targeting inflammatory RAS-mutated AML leukemia stem cells
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11432603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding and targeting inflammatory signals in leukemia stem cells that drive resistance to AML therapies, with the goal of improving responses for patients with RAS-mutated AML.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $573,098 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316710-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with AML who harbor RAS pathway mutations and have leukemia stem cell–driven disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose leukemia does not involve RAS mutations or leukemia stem cell–driven resistance may not benefit from these targeted approaches.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on AML patients whose leukemia cells carry RAS mutations that make them resistant to current treatments. Researchers will study these cancer stem-like cells in lab models and in samples from patients to map their molecular and inflammatory profiles, especially cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6. They will test whether blocking inflammatory signals can sensitize these cells to therapy or provide new treatment options. The project builds on recent findings that RAS-mutant leukemia stem cells have distinct, aggressive features that contribute to relapse. By identifying cytokine targets and testing interventions in humanized models, the work aims to inform future therapeutic strategies for a difficult-to-treat AML subset.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with RAS-mutated AML could have more effective treatments that overcome resistance and reduce relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that RAS mutations contribute to therapy resistance and specific leukemia stem cell phenotypes; this project extends those findings to inflammatory pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papapetrou, Eirini — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Papapetrou, Eirini
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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.