University of California, Los Angeles
$50,000 Cancer Free Generation Research Grant
Research Title:
Targeting AML Stem Cells using Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of RNA Regulatory Proteins
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating blood cancer where blood producing stem cells are damaged and become abnormally functioning leukemic stem cells (LSCs). To date, there is still no curative treatment targeting these aggressive LSCs.
We identified novel compounds that inhibit important growth mechanisms of LSCs. In AML animal models and patient samples, these compounds decrease AML and improve survival.
We will use rigorous experimental approaches to better understand the mechanism in which these novel compounds kill LSCs. This project has a high potential to develop a new class of drugs for precision AML therapy.