Why some early B‑cell changes progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
The genetic and epigenetic etiology of progression from the precursor state to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
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 ID | NIH-11181017 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with monoclonal B‑cell lymphocytosis (MBL), especially older adults in an established cohort, are the ideal candidates for this research.
Not a fit: People without MBL or those already diagnosed with CLL are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
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 performed: 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
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slager, Susan L — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Slager, Susan L
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.