Unravelling the role of the fusion partner LNP1 in NUP98-rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This project has been approved for funding - the activation procedure is still pending

This project has been funded thanks to the Joint Call Fondazione Cariplo and Fondazione Telethon 2023

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a rare but deadly type of blood cancer that can affect children. At the heart of this disease is a puzzle involving broken and wrongly connected genes, which cause our cells to behave abnormally. One such gene, known as NUP98, often pairs up with other genes, forming "fusion genes." These gene pairs can push cells towards cancerous growth. Among these pairs, one partner, called LNP1, remains mysterious to scientists, with its role and functions largely unknown.

In this project, we are on a detective mission to uncover the secrets of LNP1. We want to understand its shape, where it is located inside cells, and how it behaves, especially when paired with NUP98. By doing this, we aim to answer a crucial question: How does this gene fusion contribute to the development of AML. Our investigation is a joint effort between two leading institutions, each bringing its unique expertise to the table. While one excels in decoding gene structures and their activities, the other specializes in understanding how blood cells develop and turn malignant.

In simple terms, we are trying to piece together a puzzle that could reveal new ways to tackle AML. Understanding this mystery gene could provide clues to developing treatments, offering hope to those affected by this rare but severe disease.