Yali Dou, PhD

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing blood cancer. It is hard to treat, and it often comes back even stronger after treatment. One reason AML is so difficult to fight is that cancer cells take control of the normal systems that turn genes on and off. These systems are called epigenetic controls. When they do not work properly, leukemia cells can grow quickly, avoid treatment, and push out healthy blood cells.This research focuses on one of these gene regulators called MLL1. MLL1 helps turn on important genes in blood cells. In some leukemias, the MLL1 gene is broken or rearranged. However, we now know that a small group of adult AML patients have extra copies of the MLL1 gene. These patients often develop AML after having other blood disorders or after receiving chemotherapy. Sadly, they usually do not respond well to current treatments. Right now, there are no therapies made specifically for this group.Our study uses new knowledge about how MLL1 helps cancer cells grow. We will test whether leukemia with extra or altered MLL1 has weak points that new drugs can target. We will also explore ways to directly target MLL1. Our goal is to develop more personalized treatments that help patients live longer and healthier lives.