Childhood Cancer

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Translational Utility of New Models of Human AML

Institution: 
Xavier University
Researcher(s): 
Kelly Roberts
Grant Type: 
POST Program Grants
Year Awarded: 
2018
Type of Childhood Cancer: 
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Project Description: 

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically complex group of cancers wherein pediatric patients can be divided into those with chromosomal translocations and patients that are cytogenetically normal (CN-AML). Murine models for AMLs other than CN-AML have been effective in representing the somatic mutations found in humans. CN-AML modeling, however, has been less successful. With nearly 50% of human AML cases represented by CN-AML, there exists a serious need for genetically validated murine models to address pressing biological and therapeutic questions. 

Project Goal
The Grimes lab has generated a rapid, spontaneous and accurate murine model of human CN-AML and plans to use this model to determine the translational utility of murine Flt3-ITD Dnmt3a AML compared to AML models generated with AML-ETO and MLLAF9 translocation leukemia oncoproteins.

Mentored by Dr. H Leighton Grimes 
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, IL