Understanding how DDX41 affects blood cell formation and its role in blood diseases
Official title: Functional roles of DDX41 in the homeostasis of G quadruplexes in erythropoiesis
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10976321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the DDX41 gene affect blood cell formation and can lead to blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes, with the goal of finding new treatments for people with these gene mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,528 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138205-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with known DDX41 mutations or those diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without DDX41 mutations or those with other unrelated blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the DDX41 gene in the formation of blood cells, particularly focusing on how mutations in this gene can lead to blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms by which DDX41 influences the stability of specific DNA structures known as G-quadruplexes, which are crucial for normal blood cell development. By using advanced techniques such as CRISPR, researchers will analyze how the loss of DDX41 function impacts blood cell production and may lead to disease. The findings could pave the way for targeted therapies for patients with DDX41 mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted treatments for patients with blood disorders caused by DDX41 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DDX41 in blood diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Peng — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ji, Peng
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.