How aging cells may drive multiple myeloma
Role of senescence in multiple myeloma tumorigenesis
This project looks at whether the buildup of aging (senescent) cells helps harmless plasma cell conditions like MGUS or smoldering myeloma turn into full multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086743 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will compare plasma cells from people with MGUS, smoldering myeloma, and active multiple myeloma to look for signs of cellular senescence and inflammatory signals those cells release. They will analyze gene signatures and biomarkers of senescence in patient samples and study whether senescent cells create a tumor-friendly bone marrow environment. The team will also use laboratory models to test whether removing senescent cells changes tumor development. Findings will be used to explore whether targeting senescent cells could prevent progression from precursor conditions to active disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people diagnosed with MGUS, smoldering multiple myeloma, or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who can provide blood or bone marrow samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without plasma cell disorders or those with unrelated illnesses are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow progression from MGUS/SMM to multiple myeloma by targeting senescent cells or their harmful signals.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in aged mice have shown that removing senescent cells can reduce tumor incidence, but translating this approach to humans is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weivoda, Megan M. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Weivoda, Megan 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.