Understanding genetic factors that increase the risk of childhood leukemia
Variant to Function Mapping of B-ALL Risk Loci
This study is looking into the genetic reasons behind B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in kids, especially focusing on Hispanic/Latino children, to find ways to prevent this common type of leukemia by understanding how certain genes affect the growth of B cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10941649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic causes of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most common type of leukemia in children. By analyzing genetic data from diverse populations and using advanced techniques to edit genes in blood stem cells, the study aims to identify specific genetic variants that contribute to the development of this disease. The goal is to uncover how these variants affect the normal development of B cells, which could lead to better prevention strategies for at-risk children. This research is particularly focused on addressing disparities in outcomes for Hispanic/Latino children who are disproportionately affected by B-ALL.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old, particularly those of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, who are at higher risk for B-ALL.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have a genetic predisposition to B-ALL may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and outcomes for children at risk of developing B-ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genome-wide association studies have identified risk loci for B-ALL, but this research aims to take a novel approach by integrating genetic and epigenomic data to pinpoint causal variants.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sankaran, Vijay Ganesh — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sankaran, Vijay Ganesh
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.