Understanding how changes in DNA structure affect blood cancer development
Official title: The role of the cohesin complex in hematopoietic transformation and leukemia maintenance
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11058735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called cohesin affects the way blood cells develop and how changes in DNA can lead to leukemia, with the hope that understanding these processes will help find new treatments for patients.
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) | $106,299 |
| NIH project number | 3R37CA286857-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors or those not diagnosed with blood cancers may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein complex called cohesin in the development and maintenance of leukemia. By examining how the loss of a specific gene affects the three-dimensional structure of DNA and gene expression in blood cells, researchers aim to identify critical changes that lead to cancer. The study uses advanced techniques to analyze chromatin features and gene activity in both mouse and human blood stem cells. Patients may benefit from insights gained about leukemia mechanisms, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating leukemia by targeting the underlying genetic and epigenetic changes.
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.