PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The objective of this project is to elucidate mechanisms underlying HMGA1 proteins in leukemogenesis
and therapy resistance in KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). KMT2A-r AML is
an aggressive form of leukemia that is resistant to current therapies and therefore highly lethal. KMT2A-r
leukemia is caused by rearrangements of the KMT2A gene (formerly MLL1), which encode abnormal fusion
proteins that drive pro-leukemogenic gene expression, including HOX genes (HOXA9, HOXA10, MEIS1).
Despite advances in our knowledge of the fusion partners and proteins that form complexes with KMT2A-r
proteins, inhibitors developed to target these fusion proteins or their complexes show only modest efficacy in
clinical trials thus far. Moreover, mechanisms underlying KMT2A-r leukemogenesis remain incompletely
understood. Thus, there is a dire need for further research and new therapeutic strategies. Here, I propose a
novel approach by focusing on the High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin regulator as a
fundamental molecular switch required for leukemogenesis and therapy resistance in KMT2A-r AML.
Our scientific premise that HMGA1 drives leukemogenesis and therapy resistance in KMT2A-r AML is based
on the following preliminary results: 1) HMGA1 is upregulated in KMT2A-r AML with the highest levels after
blasts become resistant to therapy, 2) HMGA1 is required for proliferation and clonogenicity in KMT2A-r AML
cell lines, 3) HMGA1 binds to the promoter regions and induces expression of leukemogenic HOX genes in
KMT2A-r AML cell lines, 4) HMGA1 drives proliferation and represses the CDKN1A tumor suppressor locus in
KMT2A-r AML. 5) A recent publication identified CDKN1A repression as a driver of chemoresistance in KMT2A-
r AML, although mechanisms underlying its repression were unknown, 6) Prior studies show that treating
refractory AML patients with a cyclin-CDK inhibitor (flavopiridol/alvocidib) represses HMGA1 and downstream
genes in the patient blasts, suggesting it could target HMGA1 pathways in KMT2A-r AML.
Based on these exciting preliminary data, we hypothesize that: 1) HMGA1 drives leukemogenesis and
chemoresistance in KMT2A-r AML by directly inducing HOX genes and repressing CDKN1A, and, 2) Targeting
HMGA1 will enhance responses to cytotoxic therapy. To test this, we propose the following Specific Aims: 1)
To define the role HMGA1 in KMT2A-r leukemogenesis and chemoresistance, and, 2) To determine how HMGA1
induces HOX genes and represses CDKN1A in KMT2A-r AML.
Impact: This study will shed light on mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis in KMT2A-r AML and
could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. The JHU School of Medicine provides an excellent environment
for the PI, Bailey West, to complete the proposed studies. Ms. West will learn cutting-edge techniques, produce
first-author manuscripts, and present her work; this training will rigorously prepare her for an academic career.