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In some types of cancer that affect children and teenagers, there are special proteins called 'fusion oncoproteins' that play a big role. These proteins are made when a gene called MLLT10 gets mixed up with other genes. These cancers are very dangerous and don't respond well to treatments available now. Dr. Lui and colleagues research is focused on the most prevalent MLLT10 fusion oncoproteins, common in a type of cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in kids and young adults. Findings show that this fusion protein makes groups of biomolecules called 'condensates,' which can mess up how cells read and use their genetic instructions. Dr. Lui believes that by studying these MLLT10 fusion oncoproteins in detail, they may learn how they change cells and find ways to stop them. Dr. Lui also believes if they can figure out how MLLT10 fusion oncoproteins work, it may also help to understand other similar fusion proteins. That knowledge could help develop better treatments for these kinds of cancer.

This grant is funded by and named for Emily Beazley's Kures for Kids Fund, a St. Baldrick's Hero Fund. At the age of 8, Emily was diagnosed with Stage III T-cell lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and battled through three relapses. Her family prayed for a miracle but discovered Emily herself was the miracle, inspiring a community to come together to show love and change lives. She had a dream of starting a foundation to fund research and named it “Kures for Kids”. Today, Emily's family and friends carry on her dream and her mission in her memory.