New Investigator Research Grant Program

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a type of blood cancer that often requires treatment with medications known as hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients either do not respond adequately to these drugs or develop resistance to them. This phenomenon has spurred researchers to investigate potential mechanisms, with a particular focus on epigenetic changes—alterations in how genes are regulated without changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Our research aims to delve into this aspect by examining samples from MDS patients who have shown poor responses to HMAs, one cell at the time. We will analyze both the genetic makeup and epigenetic profiles of these samples to gain understanding of the mechanisms driving treatment resistance. By leveraging advanced techniques that allow us to study individual cells, we can uncover subtle changes in gene regulation that may contribute to treatment resistance.

The ultimate goal of our study is to identify new therapeutic targets that can be exploited to overcome resistance to HMA treatment and prevent cancer recurrence in MDS patients. By directly studying patient samples, our findings hold the potential to translate into more effective treatment strategies that improve outcomes for individuals battling MDS. This research represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing quest to develop personalized and targeted therapies for blood cancers like MDS, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes.