Epigenetic targeting of dormant leukemic stem cells (B07*)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192904750

Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) reside in a long-term quiescent state, reversal of LSC quiescence drives acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse. We identified distinct DNA methylation changes upon healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) commitment. Our data suggest a novel role for Gprc5c as a marker of LSC dormancy. Thus, we hypothesise that dormant LSCs are epigenetically distinct and that targeting the epigenetic landscape of Gprc5c+-LSCs might delay relapse. We propose to define the epigenetic features of dormant Gprc5c+-LSCs in AML and compare them to healthy dormant HSCs. This may allow us to determine novel therapeutic avenues in AML.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 992: Medical Epigenetics (MEDEP) - From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Applications
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Head: Dr. Nina Cabezas-Wallscheid, since 7/2020