UNC Lineberger’s G. Greg Wang, PhD, has received a Career Development Program grant from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Wang, an associate professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, is using CRISPR, a cutting-edge gene-editing tool, combined with genetic profiling, to understand the mechanisms and pathways by which a particular mutation called DNMT3A leads to development of acute myeloid leukemia.
“Our laboratory studies epigenetic and genetic regulation of hematological cancer,” Wang said. “I am honored to receive The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar award. It enables us to pursue exciting research beyond our current focus, including carrying out unbiased oncogene target screening and shifting towards new therapies of hematological malignancies. I was particularly inspired by past awardees, many of whom are now leaders in the field. This award would provide a tremendous boost to our current research programs.”
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced $42 million in new funding earlier this year for 80 blood cancer research teams around the world. The Career Development Program grant supports researchers early in their careers to launch basic, clinical or translational research of blood cancers and relevant premalignant conditions. This latest infusion of funding by LLS, the world’s largest nonprofit devoted to curing blood cancers, brings the organization’s current commitment to more than $188 million in multi-year grants, supporting more than 240 top scientific investigators at the world’s most prestigious cancer institutions.