KLFs are master control genes that regulate the expression of many target genes to determine cell fate and to convert one cell fate to another. Mutations in KLFs cause human diseases. This grant will focus on the founding member of the KLF family, KLF1. We will use genomics techniques and animal models to determine how KLF1 works in normal blood cell production and in disease
The BHLH Transcription Factor LYL1 In Normal And Leukemic Hematopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,945.00
Summary
This project aims to understand how two closely related genes, called SCL and LYL1, work together to control the production of normal red blood cells and when abnormally expressed, cause cancer of the white blood cells. We will specifcially examine how LYL1 causes a specific type of leukemia in children and determine blocking the function of LYL1 will be a useful way to kill leukemia cells.
Zbtb11 is a druggable protein that is mis-expressed in blood cancers - second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia - and liver cancer, third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. We have found that it interacts with 2 other proteins with potential roles in these diseases. Our studies examine the nature of these Zbtb11-partner interactions and their particular consequences for blood disorders. Zbtb11 contributions to disease development will be a target for novel disease therapy.