Understanding how genetic differences and viral infections influence blood diseases in children
Official title: Dissecting the role of germline genetic variation and viral exposures as determinants of hematological disease predisposition
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-10871295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes passed down from parents and certain viral infections might play a role in causing blood diseases like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in kids, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $336,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA290259-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or those with a family history of blood diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with blood diseases unrelated to genetic factors or viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations inherited from parents and viral infections may contribute to the development of blood diseases, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. The study aims to explore the interaction between these genetic factors and viral exposures, focusing on how they may lead to structural changes in DNA that increase the risk of leukemia. By analyzing these relationships, the research seeks to uncover potential risk factors that could inform prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric blood disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for blood diseases in children, potentially reducing the incidence of conditions like acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic and viral factors in adult cancers, but this specific focus on pediatric blood diseases is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Triche, Timothy J. — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Triche, Timothy J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Histone mutations in cancer pathogenesis
A cancer-focused study looks at how changes in histone genes found in patients may drive tumor growth and interact with other cancer mutations.
-
circSATB2: a new regulator in arsenic-related cancer
A new gene-related mechanism linked to arsenic exposure and cancer is being studied to understand how a circular RNA from SATB2 may influence cancer development.
-
Bacteria that influence insulin signaling and Type 2 diabetes
Researchers will study gut bacteria that may change how insulin works in the body, with a focus on diabetes risk.
-
Understanding how amyloid plaques form in Alzheimer's disease
A research project will look at how misfolded amyloid proteins build up in the brains of people and mouse models with Alzheimer’s disease to uncover new clues for diagnosis and treatment.
-
How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
-
ER quality control across cell types with unique ER shapes
A scientist will study how the endoplasmic reticulum keeps cells healthy by managing its structure and stress responses in different cell types, including neurons.
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.