Prof. Klusmann and Prof. Heckl on the news explaining new therapy options for pediatric AML Leukemia Research on Television On the latest episode of a regional news segment on SAT.1 Prof. Klusmann and Prof. Heckl were featured giving a quick insight onto exploiting micro-RNA as therapeutic option for AML patients. The interview gives a short summary on our latest paper about miR-193b: We describe how counteracting the downregulation of miR-193b can abrogate leukemic growth both in vitro and in vivo. To counter the downregulation of miR-193b, found across pediatric and adult AML, liquid nano ..read more

Myeloid leukemia vulnerabilities embedded in long noncoding RNA locus MYNRL15 In this paper, we present the discovery of a functional noncoding locus on chromosome 15, which we named MYNRL15. The identification of this locus was led by exploring lncRNA loci in myeloid leukemia cell lines using CRISPRi-based dropout screens. Excision of MYNRL15 validated the proliferative disadvantage upon the loss of this locus. We also identified that the effects of the locus excision must occur in an RNA-independent manner. When focusing on the location of our lncRNA locus we found that MYNRL15 perturbat ..read more

Prof. Dirk Heckl as new head of the institute for experimental pediatric hematology and oncology For the first of September Prof. Heckl started his position as the new head of the institute for experimental pediatric hematology and oncology. He will continue his research on understanding the principles of leukemia contributing to the improvement of leukemia therapy in pediatrics. The research will be conducted in colaboration with the university cancer centre UCT and the Frankfurt Cancer Institute. To find out more about the institute click here. Back to blog overview   Other Blo ..read more

Double trouble: IRAK1/4 inhibitors in AML/MDS   In this latest commentary, we focus on research published in blood by Bennete et al. ,which explores the therapeutic role of IRAK1/4. Interleukin-1 receptor kinases are mediators for signaling pathways and specifically IRAK 4 is currently under investigation as therapeutic target. The researchers show in their publication that to succeed targeting leukemic stem/progenitor cells IRAK1 and IRAK4 need to be cotargeted. Find out about the detailed reasoning in our commentary linked below: Hannah J. Uckelmann, Jan-Henning Klusmann; Double ..read more

Prof. Klusmann admitted as new member for the Leopoldina   Prof. Klusmann was honored by being admitted to the Leopoldina, the National German National Academy of Sciences. The Leopoldina scholar society was founded nearly 400 years ago and its members are scientific experts over 28 divisions. Prof. Klusmann was awarded as a member of the division medicine in section gynecology and pediatrics for is outstanding work in treating and researching pediatric leukemia. Hence, he is now one of the 1600 members of the Leopoldina.   Read more under: Goethe University Frankfurt, 2023 ..read more

SSCC 2023 Anna-Lena advertising her poster in a Lightning Talk last tuesday. 11. International Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer As the Lab members made their way to the dkfz (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum) they started of the conference with an interesting workshop on innovative strategies to target AML. The following two days were filled with a spectacular mix of presentations and posters ranging from leukemia up to solid cancer research. About 300 fellow researchers attended the event and brought with them a cheerful atmosphere allowing for intersicplinary research exchange. We tha ..read more

Commentary – Influenza A (H1N1) virus induced long-term remission in a refractory acute myeloid leukaemia   In our latest commentary, we look at a short report published by You et al. focusing on a special case of refractory AML. Here a patient case is presented were the patient was diagnosed with refractory AML. Shortly after his diagnosis the patient suffered an Influenza A (IAV H1N1) infection and 13 days post infection his AML disappeared and he underwent complete remission. This case was the basis for a series of in vivo experiments supporting the hypothesis that the Influenza ..read more

Preclinical testing of miRNA-193b-3p mimic in acute myeloid leukemias   This week the work of our PostDoc Hasan was published in Leukemia. This publications shows the therapeutic potential of restoring miR-193b functions using encapsulated miR-193b mimic in lipid nanoparticles. Additionally, the data indicate the restoration of those functions does not affect normal hematopoietic stem cells and other hematopoietic progenitor cells. Thanks to all the contributing authors. Congrats Hasan for this excellent work on the potential clinical use of miRNA/LNP therapeutics! Issa, H., Bhaya ..read more

The leukemia research group in Wilsede. XXXIV. Annual Kind-Philipp-Foundation Meeting in Wilsede The leukemia research team made its way to Wilsede for the XXXIV. GPOH Kind-Philipp-Meeting for research in pediatric oncology, where all participants gave up-to-date presentations about their projects. Alongside the presentations from fellow students and researchers, the meeting offered a great number of invited lectures. Keynote lectures where held by Dr.med. Christian Braun from the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, who talked about in vivo screening technologies to identify cancer vulner ..read more

Pediatric leukemia experts Prof. Klusmann and Stephanie Laszig answering viewer questions. Leukemia Explained On the latest Episode of the UKF Gesundheitsforum Prof. Klusmann and Stephanie step in front of the camera to break down the origins of pediatric leukemia. After a detailed explanation on blood cell development we take a deep dive into the origins of leukemia and the ‘villains’ responsible for causing pediatric leukemia. A journey through the emergence of chemotherapies supported by a case study completes the overview. Finally Prof. Klusmann invites in Stephanie as support to answer ..read more