Grant: Project Grant

AML is an aggressive type of leukemia that depends on the function of cells called LSCs (leukemia stem cells). Clinicians believe that leukemia can be cured only when LSCs are completely eliminated. Our research group identified that AML patients with high levels of a protein called INPP4B have a greater likelihood of developing very aggressive disease and shorter survival compared to a patient with low levels of INPP4B. In our studies to understand how INPP4B contributes to leukemia development, we hypothesized that INPP4B plays a critical function in LSCs and thereby promote or accelerate AML progression. In our ongoing work, we have identified lines of evidence to support this hypothesis, and therefore we are proposing to further study the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways impacted by INPP4B in leukemic cells. Ultimately, we hope that our discoveries can generate new AML therapies which can block INPP4B function and eliminate LSCs