Understanding how a protein complex affects blood cell development and leukemia
Official title: The role of the cohesin complex in hematopoietic transformation and leukemia maintenance
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10931725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Stag2 affects the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by exploring changes in blood cells and their genes, with the hope that finding a way to restore Stag2 could lead to new treatments for leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $512,607 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA286857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of blood cancers or those without a diagnosis of leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cohesin complex, specifically the Stag2 protein, in the development and maintenance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). By examining how the loss of Stag2 affects the three-dimensional structure of chromatin and gene expression, researchers aim to identify critical changes that occur during blood cell differentiation and self-renewal. The study employs advanced techniques such as Hi-ChIP assays and RNA sequencing to analyze chromatin features in both mouse and human blood stem cells. The ultimate goal is to determine whether restoring Stag2 can reverse the effects of its loss, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for leukemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of chromatin structure in leukemia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viny, Aaron D — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Viny, Aaron D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating a specific type of leukemia in children caused by genetic changes.
This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to leukemia affect kids and teens with high-risk blood cancers, and the researchers hope to find new ways to treat these conditions by learning more about how the disease works.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
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.
-
Understanding TCRs in Leukemia to Improve Immunotherapies
A short, patient-friendly look at a project trying to map how immune cells recognize leukemia so future therapies can be better and safer for people with AML.
-
Targeted therapy for AML using DHODH inhibitors to boost differentiation and immune response
Aims to help adults with acute myeloid leukemia by using a special drug approach that makes cancer cells act more like normal blood cells and supports the immune system.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
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.