New study reveals how disrupted DNA navigation leads to impaired red blood cell development in myelodysplastic syndrome
Researchers at Columbia University, including 2025 Gabrielle’s Angels Grantee Dr. Aaron Viny, have uncovered a key mechanism that helps explain how certain blood cancers develop. Their study found that mutations in a gene called STAG2 can disrupt the normal development of red blood cells by causing important genetic signals to be sent to the wrong locations within a cell. This discovery sheds new light on why many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) experience severe anemia and may not respond to existing treatments. By revealing a previously unknown driver of disease, this research opens the door to new therapeutic approaches and highlights the value of investing in innovative, early-stage science that has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Read the full article here: https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/news/cellular-wrong-turn-blood-cancer