Why a high-risk B-cell leukemia happens more often in Hispanic teens and young adults
Defining the Mechanism of Genome Rearrangements in Ph-Like ALL to Determine Predictive Markers in High-Risk Hispanic Populations
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11301857
This project looks at how specific DNA changes cause a high-risk form of B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that disproportionately affects Hispanic adolescents and young adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to study the genetic events that create CRLF2‑IgH rearrangements, a DNA change linked to the Ph‑like subtype of B‑cell ALL common in Hispanic patients. They will compare patient genetic data and biological samples with laboratory models to see whether the enzyme AID and epigenetic factors cause DNA breaks that lead to these rearrangements. The team will look for differences in B‑cell factors and DNA marks between Hispanic and non‑Hispanic cases to find patterns that predict risk. Findings will be used to guide development of genetic tests or monitoring strategies for patients at higher risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia—especially Hispanic patients or those known to have CRLF2 rearrangements—who can provide clinical information or biological samples.
Not a fit: People without B‑cell ALL or with other unrelated cancers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to genetic tests that identify Hispanic patients at higher risk for Ph‑like ALL and help guide earlier or different treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked CRLF2 rearrangements to worse outcomes and suggested AID may cause DNA breaks, but the precise mechanism and its connection to Hispanic ancestry remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PANNUNZIO, NICHOLAS — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: PANNUNZIO, NICHOLAS
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 below.