NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

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.

More Myelodysplastic Syndromes research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2023
Project endSeptember 29, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$84,364
NIH project number5F32HL170648-02
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.