R35HL166430

Decoding Innate Immune Signaling in Normal and Myelodysplastic Hematopoiesis - Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogenous and poorly understood hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) failure syndromes common in individuals >60 years of age. With increased life expectancies, the incidence of MDS continues to rise, and will soon be the most prevalent hematologic disorder in the elderly.

There are no effective treatments for MDS patients, due to an insufficient understanding of the underlying pathobiology and a lack of faithful mouse models. Our research program is focused on filling these gaps, and then leveraging the resulting knowledge and tools to develop effective drug therapies.

Already, we have discovered genetically-driven aberrant activation of innate immune pathways in MDS HSCs. We have also identified a critical function of innate immune pathways in normal HSCs, which has implications for chronic immune-related disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and hematopoiesis.

We hypothesize that dysregulated innate immune signaling is a major contributor to the initiation and development of MDS, and is a feasible therapeutic target. Herein, we propose to test this hypothesis by carrying out the following complimentary 3-part research program:

(1) Dissect the genetic and cellular underpinnings of MDS HSCs, with an emphasis on cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic immune-inflammatory factors.

(2) Identify and characterize novel signaling pathways driving MDS phenotype in HSCs.

(3) Develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of MDS.

The results of our research program will advance our paradigm-shifting model of the initiation, progression, and treatment of MDS.

Childrens Hospital Medical Center

THE DIVISION OF BLOOD DISEASES AND RESOURCES SUPPORTS RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING ON THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION OF NON-MALIGNANT BLOOD DISEASES, INCLUDING ANEMIAS, SICKLE CELL DISEASE, THALASSEMIA, LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY, PRE-MALIGNANT PROCESSES SUCH AS MYELODYSPLASIA AND MYELOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS, HEMOPHILIA AND OTHER ABNORMALITIES OF HEMOSTASIS AND THROMBOSIS, AND IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION. FUNDING ENCOMPASSES A BROAD SPECTRUM OF HEMATOLOGIC INQUIRY, RANGING FROM STEM CELL BIOLOGY TO MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF BLOOD DISEASES AND TO ASSURING THE ADEQUACY AND SAFETY OF THE NATION'S BLOOD SUPPLY. PROGRAMS ALSO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL CELL-BASED THERAPIES TO BRING THE EXPERTISE OF TRANSFUSION MEDICINE AND STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY TO THE REPAIR AND REGENERATION OF HUMAN TISSUES AND ORGANS. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) PROGRAM: TO STIMULATE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, USE SMALL BUSINESS TO MEET FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS, FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS, AND INCREASE PRIVATE-SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING. SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAM: TO STIMULATE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, FOSTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER THROUGH COOPERATIVE R&D BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESSES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, AND INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL R&D.

93.837 - Cardiovascular Diseases Research

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) [HHS - NIH]

Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 United States

Single Zip Code

NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) (RFA-HL-23-004)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 185% from $1,113,000 to $3,174,753.