Myelofibrosis Preclinical Model & Target Registry
This study created the first humanized ossicle model that faithfully reproduces myelofibrosis features including reticulin fibrosis and osteosclerosis, and identified SPP1 as a new therapeutic target — highlighting both a model gap and a drug target gap that a structured resource could help address.
Myelofibrosis Preclinical Model & Target Registry
This study created the first humanized ossicle model that faithfully reproduces myelofibrosis features including reticulin fibrosis and osteosclerosis, and identified SPP1 as a new therapeutic target — highlighting both a model gap and a drug target gap that a structured resource could help address.
Build a curated registry of preclinical myelofibrosis models — humanized ossicles, xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models, and organoids — documenting which disease features each model faithfully recapitulates (fibrosis, osteosclerosis, megakaryocyte clustering, extramedullary hematopoiesis), which mutations drive the model, and what therapeutic agents have been tested in it. Include a companion layer cataloging emerging drug targets in MF, with SPP1/osteopontin as a case study entry.
The registry would allow researchers to quickly identify the most appropriate model for a specific research question. Can your drug reverse fibrosis? Here are the models that faithfully reproduce it. Testing a JAK2-independent target? Here are models without JAK2-driven phenotypes. This prevents the recurring problem of researchers investing years in models that don't recapitulate the relevant biology.
A second module would track MF clinical trials, linking trial design to the preclinical models that motivated them — making it easier to identify which targets have strong vs. weak model support. The target registry would highlight under-explored pathways like the THPO-SPP1 axis that may explain why current JAK inhibitors fail to reverse fibrosis.
Who Is This For?
Myelofibrosis researchers, hematology drug developers, and MF patient advocates trying to understand the preclinical landscape and identify promising therapeutic approaches that address fibrosis directly.
Skills & Tools Needed
- Biocuration and structured database design
- Knowledge of myelofibrosis biology and preclinical modeling
- Web development (searchable database interface)
- Clinical trial data integration (ClinicalTrials.gov API)
- Scientific writing for curator-friendly data entry forms
Feasibility
medium — Technically straightforward to build, but requires deep domain expertise in MF model biology to curate accurately; could launch with a minimal viable scope and grow with community input.
