Targeting RNA Polymerase II to improve treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Official title: RNA Polymerase II as a Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with RAS Signaling Activation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11063044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new approach targeting a specific part of the cell's machinery can make current treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) work better, especially for patients whose cancer is tough to treat because of certain signals in their cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,113 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA266422-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, especially those with mutations in the FLT3 gene or activated RAS signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with AML who do not have FLT3 mutations or RAS pathway activation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting RNA Polymerase II can enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), particularly in cases where the RAS signaling pathway is activated. The study aims to identify key components of the RNA Pol II pathway that contribute to resistance against FLT3 inhibitors, which are commonly used in AML treatment. By analyzing patient samples and pre-clinical models, researchers will evaluate the potential of RNA Pol II inhibitors to overcome this resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with AML, particularly those who have developed resistance to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting RNA Polymerase II in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for AML.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Catherine Choy — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Smith, Catherine Choy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Improving Targeted Therapies through Genetically Defined PDX Models
Researchers are using patient-like leukemia models to develop therapies that target specific genetic features of AML to improve survival.
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A broader genomic risk picture to guide AML treatment
AIM to refine how genetic information guides treatment decisions for adults with acute myeloid leukemia by looking at how inherited and recurrent mutations affect risk.
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RNA Polymerase II as a Therapeutic Target in AML with RAS Activation
This project explores a new way to treat a common type of blood cancer (AML) by blocking a key machinery (RNA Polymerase II) that cancer cells use when the RAS signaling pathway is overactive.
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SHP2 and BCL2 inhibitors together for AML growth and resistance
A patient-focused look at whether combining SHP2 inhibitors with a BCL2 inhibitor can slow or stop AML, especially in people whose disease has FLT3 or KIT mutations.
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Targeting RNA polymerase II in AML with RAS pathway activation
This project tests drugs that block RNA polymerase II to help people whose acute myeloid leukemia has RAS pathway activation and is resistant to FLT3 inhibitors.
-
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.
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.