Understanding a protein's role in acute myeloid leukemia

Role of PRC1 in RUNX1-ETO-mediated transcriptional control

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-11162440

This project aims to understand how a specific protein change leads to acute myeloid leukemia, hoping to find gentler treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11162440 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often begins with a specific genetic change called t(8;21), which creates an abnormal protein known as AML1-ETO. This protein alters how genes are turned on and off, creating conditions for cancer to develop. We are using advanced genetic tools to precisely understand how AML1-ETO controls gene activity. By quickly turning off this protein in lab models, we can observe the immediate changes in gene expression. This helps us pinpoint exactly how this protein drives AML.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational work is for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those with the t(8;21) genetic change, as it seeks to uncover the root causes of their disease.

Not a fit: Patients with types of leukemia or other cancers not related to the AML1-ETO protein or similar genetic changes may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, less harmful treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the specific ways cancer cells develop.

How similar studies have performed: This project uses novel genetic tools and approaches to precisely define the mechanisms of transcriptional control by the AML1-ETO fusion protein, building on existing knowledge but with new methods.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.