Understanding how cells remember their identity in leukemia
Repression via Facultative Heterochromatin
This research explores how cells pass on their characteristics during division, which is important for understanding diseases like acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158832 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells have a unique identity that they pass on when they divide. This project looks at how cells remember which genes should be turned off, a process called epigenetic inheritance. We are focusing on specific protein complexes, like PRC2, and a protein called NPM1, which help maintain these 'off' signals. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how cell identity goes wrong in conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia, or those at risk, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this basic understanding of cell biology.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trials will not directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational knowledge could lead to new ways to target the faulty cell identity mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon recent findings in the lab regarding how repressed chromatin domains are inherited, expanding on a fundamental aspect of epigenetic regulation.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinberg, Danny — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Reinberg, Danny
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.