Blocking ATP-sensing receptors to target multiple myeloma
Purinergic Receptors in Myeloma
This project explores whether blocking ATP-sensing purinergic receptors can kill multiple myeloma cells and help people with myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how myeloma cells may use extracellular ATP signals to survive and whether stopping those signals can cause the cancer cells to die. Scientists will study P2rX purinergic receptors and the ATP-release protein Panx3 using lab experiments and a patient-derived xenograft model made from real myeloma samples. They will map how blocking these pathways affects stress in the cell's endoplasmic reticulum and triggers apoptosis. The goal is to identify druggable nodes that could become new targeted treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with multiple myeloma or related precursor conditions such as MGUS or smoldering myeloma would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without plasma cell disorders or whose tumors do not rely on purinergic signaling are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach, and because much of the work is preclinical it may not offer direct treatment now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new therapies that selectively kill myeloma cells or prevent premalignant plasma cells from progressing.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical studies in other cancers support targeting purinergic signaling, but blocking P2rX or Panx3 in multiple myeloma is relatively new and has not yet been proven effective in patients.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allman, David M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Allman, David M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.