Understanding genes that affect stem cell growth and relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Official title: Genes regulating stem and progenitor cell expansion and relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11117923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes affect the growth of blood cells in people with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) to understand why some patients might experience a return of the disease after treatment, with the hope of finding better ways to help them.
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 start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,698 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291806-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, particularly those who have undergone standard chemotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that influence the growth of stem and progenitor cells in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). It aims to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the persistence of leukemic cells after treatment, which can lead to relapse. By studying mutations in long-term hematopoietic stem cells, the research seeks to uncover how these cells can gain competitive advantages and ultimately cause the disease to return. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies that reduce the risk of relapse in AML patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic mutations in leukemia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malek, Sami Nimer — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Malek, Sami Nimer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genes that make leukemia stem cells grow and cause AML to come back
This project looks at which genes help leukemia stem cells survive treatment and cause AML to return in adults.
-
Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.
-
Interferon-γ plus donor immune cells to fight AML/MDS after partial donor transplant
This project tests a therapy that adds a signaling protein, IFN-γ, with donor immune cells to help treat relapsed AML/MDS after a haploidentical stem cell transplant.
-
Targeting the protein housekeeping system in adult leukemia
Researchers are testing a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia by disrupting how AML cells manage their proteins, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives.
-
Understanding how epigenetic helper proteins drive AML and how to target them
A scientist team is studying how accessory proteins in gene-regulating complexes affect acute myeloid leukemia and whether they can be targeted for safer, more precise therapies.
-
Targeting FLVCR1-enabled choline use in a aggressive AML subtype
A new approach aims to block how a specific leukemia subtype (CG-AML) takes up choline to feed its growth, potentially slowing or stopping the disease.
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.