Why some early B‑cell changes progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Official title: The genetic and epigenetic etiology of progression from the precursor state to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11181017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at inherited gene variants and chemical tags on DNA to find which people with monoclonal B‑cell lymphocytosis (MBL) are more likely to develop CLL.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,651,283 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA258465-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with monoclonal B‑cell lymphocytosis (MBL), especially older adults in an established cohort, are the ideal candidates for this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without MBL or those already diagnosed with CLL are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You would be part of a large group of people with MBL whose blood or stored samples are studied. The team will calculate a polygenic risk score using 41 inherited gene variants linked to CLL. They will also sequence 59 genes to find acquired mutations that might signal progression. Finally, they will examine DNA chemical tags (epigenetic marks) to see which patterns are linked to moving from MBL to CLL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify markers to find people with MBL who are at high risk and could benefit from closer monitoring or future prevention approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have found inherited CLL risk variants and epigenetic changes, but combining polygenic scores, targeted gene sequencing, and epigenetics to predict progression from MBL is a more recent and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slager, Susan L — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Slager, Susan L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating genetic factors linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
This study is looking at how certain rare genetic changes, especially in the ATM gene, might make some people more likely to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and it's inviting patients with known ATM gene changes to help us learn more about how these genetics relate to CLL and family cancer history.
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Investigating the genetic factors that lead to chronic lymphocytic leukemia from its precursor state.
This study is looking at how certain genes might help us understand why some people with a condition called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) might develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) later on, especially focusing on African Americans, so we can find ways to better predict and prevent the disease.
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Tracing how chronic lymphocytic leukemia can change into Richter’s syndrome
A physician-scientist is studying why CLL sometimes changes into Richter’s syndrome and how this transition happens at the genetic level, with the goal of better outcomes for people living with CLL.
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Paradigm shift in managing untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in older adults
A Mayo Clinic doctor is leading a national collaboration to advance new frontline treatments for older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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AVO: a new triplet therapy for untreated high-risk CLL
A new, time-limited combination therapy (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) is being tested for people with newly diagnosed high-risk CLL to see how well it works and how safe it is.
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Rewiring cancer pathways to trigger death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A Stanford-led study aims to use a new class of small molecules to flip cancer-driving signals so CLL cells die, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies.
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.