Understanding how RNA editing affects leukemia cells in children
Official title: Elucidate the Role of RNA Editing in Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Initiating Cells
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11078301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific process in our cells, called RNA editing, helps leukemia cells survive and grow in kids with a type of blood cancer called T-ALL, with the goal of finding better and safer treatments for children who have this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282792-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with relapsed acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not experiencing relapse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of RNA editing in the survival and self-renewal of leukemia initiating cells in pediatric acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). The study aims to identify new therapeutic targets by examining how the enzyme ADAR1 contributes to the maintenance of these cancer cells. By understanding the mechanisms behind this process, the researchers hope to develop less toxic and more effective treatments for children suffering from relapsed T-ALL. The approach includes analyzing gene expression and the effects of inhibiting ADAR1 on leukemia cell propagation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for children with relapsed T-ALL, improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar mechanisms in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Qingfei — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Qingfei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating a specific type of leukemia in children caused by genetic changes.
This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to leukemia affect kids and teens with high-risk blood cancers, and the researchers hope to find new ways to treat these conditions by learning more about how the disease works.
-
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.
-
Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.
-
Understanding TCRs in Leukemia to Improve Immunotherapies
A short, patient-friendly look at a project trying to map how immune cells recognize leukemia so future therapies can be better and safer for people with AML.
-
Targeted therapy for AML using DHODH inhibitors to boost differentiation and immune response
Aims to help adults with acute myeloid leukemia by using a special drug approach that makes cancer cells act more like normal blood cells and supports the immune system.
-
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.
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.