Damon Runyon Researchers

Before a gene can be expressed, a protein known as a splicing factor must remove non-coding regions (introns) from the RNA strand. Mutations in splicing factors, and specifically one called SF3B1, can lead to the development of certain blood cancers. Dr. Vallurupalli [David M. Livingston, MD, Physician-Scientist] will use genome editing technologies to generate and characterize SF3B1-mutant models in human adult blood stem cells. She will also screen for other genetic factors that may influence the outcome of SF3B1 mutations. Her goal is to identify previously unrecognized therapeutic targets for treating splicing factor-mutated blood cancers.