THE PROBLEM
The long-term goal of this work is to understand the mechanisms underlying leukemia development and to identify better molecular targets for leukemia therapy. The primary research interest is to study the self-renewal mechanisms of leukemia stem cells whose elimination is essential for curing leukemia.
OUR APPROACH
The laboratory has been focusing on the gene for SETBP1 since 2009, and its studies have contributed significantly to the establishment of SETBP1 as a critical regulator of leukemic stem cell self-renewal in myeloid leukemias.
LEAD FACULTY
Dennis Du
Kristbjorn Gudmundsson
Nhu Nguyen
Bandana Vishwakarma
Yufen Han
Kevin Oakley
LOOKING AHEAD
For future studies, one focus will be on the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for target gene activation by Setbp1 and also its role in the function of normal hematopoietic stem cells. In summary, the work done in this laboratory has contributed significantly to the field of leukemia research, especially with the establishment of SETBP1 as a significant oncogene in the development of human myeloid neoplasms. The focus will continue to be on understanding the molecular mechanisms for its role in regulating LSC self-renewal and identifying effective therapeutic strategies for leukemias induced by its activation.