Research reveals functional targets of oncogenic HOXA9 protein in high-risk pediatric leukemia

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have comprehensively identified genes directly regulated by a protein associated with high-risk pediatric leukemias. High-risk leukemias, particularly MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia, often overexpress the homeodomain transcription factor HOXA9 protein, which cannot currently be targeted with drugs.