Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Albert Einstein College of Medicine received a $829,319 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective February 1, 2026, with a completion date of November 30, 2030. This award funds research aimed at identifying collaborating factors driving DDX41 mutant pathology in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The research employs a germline DDX41 heterozygous mutant zebrafish model that develops age-associated MDS-like symptoms to investigate how DDX41 mutations synergize with age-associated inflammatory signaling and secondary somatic mutations in promoting disease onset and progression. By studying this atypical, late-onset inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, the investigators will generate insights into fundamental principles governing hematopoietic fitness and dysfunction during aging.

The research deliverables include experimental findings on the mechanisms underlying DDX41-mutant MDS pathology, analysis of elevated inflammation and stem cell stress signatures in heterozygous carriers, and characterization of how genetic mutations interact with age-related factors to drive hematopoietic dysfunction. These outcomes will contribute to improved understanding of MDS development and progression, ultimately informing prevention and treatment strategies for this blood disorder that affects approximately 10,000 individuals annually in the United States and carries significant risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).