Dr. Jha’s research focuses on understanding the mechanism of neoplastic evolution and discovery of targetable vulnerabilities in leukemia. In Leukemia hematopoietic stem cells, mother of all blood cells, frequently acquire genetic damages, a discrete alteration in genetic code called mutations. One of the most frequently affected gene in leukemia is TET2, often happens early on in many patients. Normally an intact TET2 gene assures proper production and maturation of well-formed blood cells. TET2 mutations cause defective blood cell production leading to the leukemia progression. His research target this defect in leukemia cells for the development of novel class of drugs that will terminate cancer cells while preserving and protecting the healthy cells in patients’ blood and bone marrow.