Understanding how mutations in the ASXL1 gene affect blood cell development and cancer risk.
Official title: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Mutant ASXL1-driven Clonal Hematopoiesis
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10881106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a condition called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which happens when certain blood cells with mutations grow more than they should, especially in older adults, and it aims to understand how this can increase the risk of blood cancers and other health issues, with the hope of finding new treatments or ways to prevent these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $570,922 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG081469-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with clonal hematopoiesis or mutations in the ASXL1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mutations in the ASXL1 gene or those who are younger and do not exhibit clonal hematopoiesis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a condition where blood cells with mutations expand, particularly focusing on the ASXL1 gene. The study examines how these mutations, which are more common in older adults, lead to an increased risk of blood cancers and other diseases. By analyzing the bone marrow environment and the effects of specific treatments on mutated cells, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments or preventive strategies for blood-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients at risk of blood cancers due to genetic mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding clonal hematopoiesis and its implications for blood cancers, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jing — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRAVE Innovation Center for Viral Resistance in Chickens
A center at UW–Madison aims to create chickens genetically resistant to avian viruses like H5N1 by identifying host genes involved in virus replication using genome-wide CRISPR screening.
-
Center to Fight Vector-Borne Diseases in the Midwest
A Midwest program brings researchers, public health teams, and vector-control groups together to prevent diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
Neutrophil development with stem cells to understand their behavior
Researchers are studying how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, develop from stem cells to better understand why they can help or harm in infections and inflammatory diseases.
-
WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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.