How the protein ULK3 affects treatment‑sensitive and treatment‑resistant multiple myeloma
Role of ULK3 in Sensitive and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
This project tries new drugs that block ULK3 and BRD4 to help people with newly diagnosed or treatment‑resistant multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers analyzed tumor cells taken from hundreds of patients and found the protein ULK3 is highly active in both new and treatment‑resistant myeloma. In the lab they are testing a compound called SG3 that blocks ULK3 and the cancer driver BRD4, and they are studying how this affects autophagy, a survival process myeloma cells use. Experiments use patient samples, cell models, and animal models to see whether blocking these pathways can overcome resistance to current drugs like proteasome inhibitors. The team hopes these lab findings could point to drug combinations worth testing in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with multiple myeloma, especially those newly diagnosed or whose disease has become resistant to standard treatments like proteasome inhibitors, would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer, or whose myeloma is not driven by ULK3/BRD4 pathways or who cannot provide tumor samples, are unlikely to benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new drug combinations that overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Proteasome inhibitors and BRD4 blockers have shown benefit but often face resistance, and targeting ULK3 is a newer, largely preclinical approach not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, Conor C — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Lynch, Conor C
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.