Is testosterone shaping the evolution of hematopoiesis and leukemia?
Anna Wilhelmson, Senior Researcher at BRIC, receives 210,526 DKK from the Neye Foundation for the research project that aims to advance the understanding of how testosterone affects clonal hematopoiesis and, consequently, the development of leukemia in men.
The project will investigate the influence of testosterone on the development of clonal hematopoiesis and leukemia in men using data from The UK Biobank. It aims to understand why men have a higher risk of developing leukemia than women and why age-related clonal hematopoiesis is more prevalent in men.
The project will assess the relationship between testosterone levels and the risk of these conditions, as well as examine genetic variants related to testosterone levels. Studies in mice will be conducted to understand testosterone's role in the growth of mutated blood cells.
The goal is to elucidate the role of testosterone, which could impact clinical decisions regarding hormone treatments, such as for patients with prostate cancer.
Press release from Neye: Maj 2025: 2.966.992 kroner (Danish)