Does aging foster transformation to acute myeloid leukemia? (transfer to Tromsø)

The aim of this study is to test the contribution of aging to drive AML. The expected harmful effect on the animals are mild to transiently severe, in transplanted mice. The present research will provide with insights into the basic processes that underlie HSC dysfunction and the role of aging foster transformation to AML. Haematopoiesis has been best characterized in the mouse system and the interaction of the haematopoietic stem cell with its microenvironment can only be studied in vivo, due to the insufficient knowledge of the microenvironment. Number of animals are kept to a minimum (800 recipients; 706 in Tromsø, 94 in Oslo; 40 donors -FOTS8408) consistent with the obtention of statistically meaningful results. The mice will be used in the most efficient way possible, attempting to obtain the maximum information from each experimental animal. When assays cannot be performed immediately, cells will be cryopreserved whenever possible. Mice will be sacrificed at time points when they will only show haematological symptoms of disease. It is not the goal of this study to analyze terminal stages of disease, but identify the contribution of aging process to transformation to AML before severe symptoms to understand if aging forters transformation to AML. Due to delays caused by AKM closing Down in Tromsø, the pandemic, and the move back from Oslo the Project will take three years longer than previously anticipated With no changes in animal numbers or welfare.