Understanding how PAX5 mutations drive B-ALL in adults
Official title: Dissecting the Functional Role of PAX5 Mutations in B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11396190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team is studying how changes in the PAX5 gene affect a type of blood cancer called B-ALL in adults, using human samples and experimental models to uncover new angles for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $483,110 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA303874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with B-ALL bearing PAX5 mutations (including PAX5alt and P80R) or related subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PAX5 mutations or who do not participate in molecular analyses may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine how PAX5 mutations alter B-cell development and contribute to leukemia in adults. Researchers will use human B-ALL cells, mouse leukemia models, and patient samples to explore genetic and metabolic changes, especially how these mutations affect glucose use and sensitivity to therapies like dexamethasone. By combining multiple models, the study aims to map the pathways that drive disease progression and identify potential targets for improved treatments. The work seeks to translate molecular insights into strategies that could enhance outcomes for adults with this leukemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new treatment targets and help tailor therapies for adults with PAX5-mutant B-ALL, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Early data suggest metabolic vulnerabilities in PAX5-mutant leukemias; this study builds on those findings with deeper mechanistic work across models.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gu, Zhaohui — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Gu, Zhaohui
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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.