# Enhancer Dysregulation in AML

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $341,314

## Abstract

Project Summary
An emerging body of literature has demonstrated the importance of non-coding DNA
regulatory sequences in epigenetic and transcriptome regulation. Mutations of distal
enhancers or enhancer binding proteins are identified as onco-drivers in a variety of
cancers. They lead to deregulation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, which in turn
influence cancer initiation and progression. In our study, we propose to examine the
function of transcription factor HOXA9 in enhancer regulation and how it may contribute
to leukemogenesis. We will examine global changes in epigenome, with a focus on distal
regulatory enhancers, in multiple acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia models that
have HOXA9 overexpression. We will identify recurrent HOXA9-dependent epigenetic
alterations at distal enhancers and evaluate their potential as the therapeutic targets. We
will also examine the mechanisms by which HOXA9 establishes open chromatin state at
distal enhancers. Given extremely poor prognosis of acute leukemia with HOXA9
overexpression as well as the lack of good therapeutic options, in-depth mechanistic
understanding of HOXA9 function in leukemogenesis will provide better options against
the daunting clinical challenges. This project fits the mission of National Cancer Institute
(NCI).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10199697
- **Project number:** 7R01CA232263-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Yali Dou
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $341,314
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2019-03-01 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10199697

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10199697, Enhancer Dysregulation in AML (7R01CA232263-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10199697. Licensed CC0.

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