Causes and consequences of epigenetic disturbances in T-prolymphocytic leukemia (B09)

• Subject Area: Human Genetics ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 217328187

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is characterized by the recurrent inv(14)/t(14;14) or t(X;14) leading to activation of TCL1A or MTCP1, respectively. We previously observed that T-PLLs show a unique DNA hypomethylation phenotype typically involving T-cell enhancer sites. We thus aim at investigating the role of TCL1A protein in inducing epigenetic changes through comparative DNA-methylation studies in human and murine TCL1A-activation associated neoplasms. Moreover, we want to decipher the role of tissue, maturation and/or transformation-associated TCL1A co-factors as well as of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of the T-PLL epigenome.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1074: Experimental Models and Clinical Translation in Leukemia
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Reiner Siebert, since 12/2019; Dr. Laura Wiehle, until 3/2022