Understanding a Protein's Role in Blood Cancers
Calreticulin-mediated protein folding in health and disease
This project explores how a protein called Calreticulin works in our bodies and how changes in this protein can lead to certain blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a protein called Calreticulin that helps other proteins fold correctly, especially those involved in our immune system's ability to fight off infections and cancers. We know that specific changes, or mutations, in Calreticulin are a key cause of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). This research aims to uncover exactly how these mutated Calreticulin proteins cause blood cells to transform and how they help cancer cells hide from the immune system. By understanding these detailed processes, we hope to find new ways to target these cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, such as essential thrombocythemia or primary myelofibrosis, could benefit from the knowledge gained from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to Calreticulin mutations or myeloproliferative neoplasms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of myeloproliferative neoplasms, potentially paving the way for new treatments that target the specific protein changes causing these blood cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Recent studies have identified Calreticulin mutations as drivers in myeloproliferative neoplasms, but the exact molecular mechanisms by which these mutations cause disease are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raghavan, Malini — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Raghavan, Malini
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.