Understanding the role of DDX41 in blood disorders
Official title: The functional role of DDX41 in myelodysplastic syndromes
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10975035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the DDX41 gene can cause blood problems in people with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which might lead to leukemia, and it aims to find new treatments for patients dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $84,364 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HL170648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes or those with known DDX41 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without myelodysplastic syndromes or those whose conditions are unrelated to DDX41 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mutations in the DDX41 gene contribute to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which can lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which DDX41 mutations cause blood cell abnormalities and apoptosis. By using models such as zebrafish and mice, researchers will explore the effects of DDX41 loss on hematopoietic cells and identify which blood cell lineages are most affected. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies for patients with DDX41-related MDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted treatments for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes caused by DDX41 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of DDX41 mutations in blood disorders, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bi, Honghao — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bi, Honghao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Interferon-γ plus donor immune cells to fight AML/MDS after partial donor transplant
This project tests a therapy that adds a signaling protein, IFN-γ, with donor immune cells to help treat relapsed AML/MDS after a haploidentical stem cell transplant.
-
Whole-genome sequencing to refine risk in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) for older adults
This project uses clinical whole-genome sequencing to improve genetic profiling and better predict how MDS will progress in older patients.
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Targeting gasdermin D to treat myelodysplastic syndromes in people with bone marrow inflammation
A research project aims to find new ways to treat myelodysplastic syndromes by blocking a protein (gasdermin D) involved in harmful bone marrow inflammation.
-
Understanding why some MDS patients relapse after a stem cell transplant
A study of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes after stem cell transplant to learn the cellular changes and gene activity that lead to relapse, with the goal of guiding future treatments.
-
Risk factors and inflammation biomarkers for cardiovascular disease in older adults with myelodysplastic syndromes
A study focuses on older adults with myelodysplastic syndromes to understand why they have higher cardiovascular risk and how inflammatory proteins in the blood might help predict it.
-
Therapeutic targeting of transcription-epigenetic defects in SF3B1-mutant MDS
A training-focused grant to help a clinician-scientist develop therapies for adults with a common bone marrow failure condition called SF3B1-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
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.