How PIM2 helps multiple myeloma cells survive
Novel pro-survival mechanisms of PIM2 in multiple myeloma
Researchers are testing whether targeting a protein called PIM2 can make multiple myeloma cells less able to survive and resist treatment for people with multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Indiana University will study how the protein PIM2 helps multiple myeloma plasma cells survive and drive therapy resistance. They will compare different PIM inhibitors in lab-grown myeloma cells and measure PIM2 gene and protein levels, focusing on a drug called JP11646 that unexpectedly lowers PIM2 expression. The team will map the molecular pathways that control PIM2 and test whether reducing PIM2 makes myeloma cells more sensitive to treatments using cell models and likely animal studies. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that could be targeted by new therapies for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with multiple myeloma, especially those with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or whose myeloma is driven by mechanisms unrelated to PIM2 may not benefit from findings focused on PIM2.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or treatments that overcome therapy resistance in multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including tests of the JP11646 compound, has shown promising activity in lab models, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Kelvin P. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Lee, Kelvin P.
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.