"Using chemical genetics to define the precise role of RUNX1 in transcription & beyond."

RUNX1 is a transcription factor, a protein that controls a select group of genes critical for a normal healthy blood system including the production of properly functioning platelets. Therefore, the ability to define the exact genes RUNX1 controls is critical to our understanding of how RUNX1 governs platelet biology and how loss of RUNX1 activity predisposes to blood cancers.

Dr. Stengel’s group has engineered a new cell line that can rapidly degrade RUNX1 protein levels within 1-2 hours. This cell line will allow her and her team to finally define the direct RUNX1 target genes in cells. Furthermore, her cell line will help determine what role RUNX1 plays in DNA damage response, a pathway that, when perturbed, can increase cancer risk.