A GWAS meta‑analysis of more than 640,000 people identified a rare noncoding variant, rs17834140‑T, that reduces clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and decreases leukemia risk by weakening MSI2 RNA‑binding activity. The Science publication from Vijay Sankaran’s lab links the protective effect to disruption of a GATA‑2 transcription factor binding site that alters stem cell RNA regulation. The finding suggests inherited genetic factors can constrain clonal expansion and identifies MSI2 modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy. The study advances understanding of why some individuals resist clonal growth despite acquiring oncogenic somatic mutations.