10 research projects collectively focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of acute leukemia MRD by leveraging cutting-edge techniques such as artificial intelligence, single-cell omics, multiomic and metabolomic profiling, identification of niche-dependent MRD vulnerabilities, in vivo CRISPR-CAS9 screening and epigenetic single cells analysis.
The studies aim to optimize treatment decisions, develop translational organ-on-chip 3D MRD models, and design immune-based therapeutic approaches such as CAR T cells homing to the bone marrow and directed to therapy-induced senescence, persistent leukemic blasts in Down syndrome patients, acute leukemia MRD and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Together, the 10 doctoral candidates will address the key unresolved questions on the molecular and cellular basis of acute leukemia MRD and bridge preclinical and clinical research to come up with novel ideas on how to eradicate MRD and improve patient outcomes.