Targeting metabolic weak spots in myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells
Metabolic targeting of heterogenous myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells
The team is trying metabolism-based treatments to kill the stem cells that drive high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
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 ID | NIH-11188998 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks for metabolic weak points in the different kinds of MDS stem cells that keep the disease coming back. Researchers combine laboratory experiments with samples and data from an active clinical trial testing omacetaxine plus azacitidine (NCT03564873) to find which stem cell subsets survive current treatment. The goal is to map vulnerabilities in those resistant subsets and design next-generation approaches that are more precise and less toxic than global protein-translation blockers. If successful, the work aims to guide therapies that better eliminate the root cells that cause relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with high-risk MDS, particularly those enrolled in or eligible for clinical trials combining azacitidine with agents like omacetaxine.
Not a fit: Patients with low-risk MDS or unrelated blood disorders are unlikely to directly benefit from this project at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that more completely eliminate the MDS stem cells and reduce relapses.
How similar studies have performed: An ongoing trial combining omacetaxine and azacitidine has produced promising responses but still shows some disease progression, so this project builds on those results to target remaining stem cell subsets.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pietras, Eric M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Pietras, Eric M
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 below.