Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Official title: Elucidating the SCP4 pathway as a multi-catalytic signaling dependency in acute myeloid leukemia
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11617813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $744,342 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA281106-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with AML whose cancer shows dependence on the SCP4-STK35-PDIK1L pathway or similar signaling dependencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose AML does not rely on SCP4 signaling or who cannot tolerate potential targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies a specific AML dependency called SCP4 and how it interacts with the kinases STK35 and PDIK1L to fuel leukemia cell growth. Researchers will use genetic, biochemical, and structural methods to map how SCP4 supports AML and to develop tests that reveal when targeting this pathway could work. They will also test findings in primary human AML cells to understand relevance to patients. The goal is to identify new ways to treat AML by disrupting this signaling complex. Outcomes could guide future therapies that spare normal blood cells while attacking leukemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new AML treatments that specifically target cancer cells while reducing harm to normal blood cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified SCP4 as an AML-specific dependency, suggesting this targeting approach has promise but requires further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vakoc, Christopher — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Vakoc, Christopher
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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.