Understanding how genetic changes in the ETV6 gene lead to childhood leukemia
Official title: Pathogenesis of ETV6-Related Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11163330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes, especially the ETV6 gene, might play a role in causing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in kids, especially those with a family history of low platelet counts, to help find better ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,268 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA241452-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, specifically focusing on the ETV6 gene. By studying families with a history of thrombocytopenia and B-ALL, researchers aim to identify how specific genetic variants affect the development of leukemia. The approach includes sequencing samples from children diagnosed with B-ALL to find common genetic mutations and using laboratory models to understand how these mutations disrupt normal cell function. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms of leukemia and potentially lead to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors associated with leukemia, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nichols, Kim Erika — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nichols, Kim Erika
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
-
Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
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Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.