New Investigator Research Grant Program

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with high relapse rates. Even after initial successful treatment, many patients see their disease return, making AML difficult to cure. One common mutation in AML occurs in the NPM1 gene, changing the way cells regulate critical cancer-driving genes. While new targeted drugs have shown promise, resistance often emerges, leading to relapse. Our research aims to understand why AML cells with NPM1 mutations become resistant by focusing on a group of proteins called the BAF chromatin remodeling complex, which help NPM1 control gene activity. Using advanced cancer genetics methods, we have discovered that AML relapse involves specific changes in how cancer-promoting genes become active, and that these genes depend on the BAF complex. We will study whether targeting BAF proteins can stop relapse by testing specific BAF inhibitors in combination with current treatments. This work could help develop new strategies to prevent AML relapse and significantly improve patient outcomes.