Understanding how epigenetics influences blood stem cell development
Official title: Determinants of epigenetic inheritance in human stem cell fate decisions
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10891483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain proteins influence the way blood stem cells decide to either make more stem cells or turn into different types of blood cells, which could help improve treatments for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $441,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151179-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or related blood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-hematological conditions 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 epigenetics in the fate decisions of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for blood formation. The study focuses on how certain proteins, particularly nucleophosmin (NPM1), affect the inheritance of chromatin states during cell division. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how HSCs can both self-renew and differentiate into various blood cell types. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating blood cancers by targeting the epigenetic mechanisms involved in stem cell behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding epigenetic mechanisms in stem cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Escobar, Thelma — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Escobar, Thelma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Making genetic testing more accessible to the public
This study is all about making it easier for people at risk of certain cancers, like breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, to get genetic testing, so we can find out what helps them access these important services and understand how they can benefit from them.
-
Breast cancer diagnosis in low-resource settings using millifluidics and fast digital imaging in Ghana
A new project will test a fast, low-cost way to diagnose breast cancer at the point of care in Ghana using small-batch fluidics and direct digital imaging.
-
Binaural Hearing and Speech in Noise in Children
This project explores how children hear speech in noisy classrooms using how the two ears work together to see if binaural processing differences explain why some kids struggle more than others.
-
Neural circuits that control pain aversion in the brain
Researchers are exploring how a specific brain area helps people feel and avoid pain, with potential to lead to better pain treatments.
-
United World Antiviral Research Network (UWARN)
A collaborative, international effort is testing new virus surveillance and evolution ideas to help people living with HIV and communities in LMICs stay safer from current and emerging viruses.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
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.