Lynn Lee Research Lab

The Lee Lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms which drive aggressive childhood leukemias. While cure rates for many childhood leukemias are high and continue to improve, there remain certain subtypes of acute leukemia which remain difficult to treat, even with aggressive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. These leukemias are frequently characterized by recurring gene rearrangements such as those involving KMT2A (formerly MLL), which is of particular interest to our lab.

Our specific aim is to understand how RNA biology influences development and progression of these leukemias, with a particular focus on RNA binding proteins and alternative splicing. Our long-term goal is to use our findings to develop novel targeted therapies which can improve outcomes in our patients.