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-11048713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Stag2 affects the growth and health of blood cells, especially in leukemia, to see if bringing back Stag2 can help improve blood cell function for people with this condition.
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) | $118,503 |
| NIH project number | 3R37CA286857-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who may benefit from insights into the genetic factors influencing their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or non-hematological conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cohesin complex, specifically the Stag2 protein, in the development of blood cells and the maintenance of leukemia. By examining how the loss of Stag2 alters the three-dimensional structure of chromatin and gene expression, researchers aim to identify critical features that influence blood cell differentiation and self-renewal. The study employs advanced techniques such as Hi-ChIP assays and RNA sequencing to analyze chromatin loops and gene activity in both mouse and human blood cell models. Ultimately, the goal is to determine whether restoring Stag2 can reverse the effects of its loss and improve blood cell function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating 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 cancer, 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
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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.