Investigation into the plastic state of dormancy in JAK2-V617F-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and secondary acute myeloid leukemias (sAMLs) (B02)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533056198

Project B02 will analyze the JAK2-inhibitor-mediated modulation of the plastic state of dormancy during the transition of JAK2-V617F-driven Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) into secondary myelofibrosis (sMF) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). Using mouse models of Polycythemia Vera (PV), sMF and sAML, as well as patient-derived material and xenografts, B02 aims to explore whether dormancy within the mutant HSC compartment plays a biologically-relevant role in JAK2VF disease propagation, as well as in relapse after JAK2 inhibitor treatment. Perturbation of candidate genes regulating the state of dormancy will reveal novel therapeutic targets of dormant, JAK2-inhibitor resistant malignant cells.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1709: Cellular Plasticity in Myeloid Malignancies: From Mechanisms to Therapies
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Ashok Kumar Jayavelu, Ph.D.; Dr. Michael Milsom