Preventing MGUS from progressing to multiple myeloma by targeting the bone marrow environment
Prevention of MGUS Progression to MM by Modulating the Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Researchers are developing ways to change the bone marrow environment so people with MGUS may be less likely to develop multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171634 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses multiple MGUS mouse models alongside blood and bone marrow samples from people with MGUS to study how the marrow environment affects abnormal plasma cells. The team is focusing on aging-related cellular senescence, iron metabolism, and a protein called DKK1 that may drive bone damage and immune changes. They will look for reliable biomarkers in cells and tissues and test interventions in models that could reverse the marrow changes. The goal is to translate those findings into strategies that stop MGUS from progressing to symptomatic multiple myeloma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with MGUS who are willing to provide blood or bone marrow samples and share clinical follow-up information.
Not a fit: People who already have symptomatic multiple myeloma or unrelated blood disorders are unlikely to benefit directly from this prevention-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new preventive treatments that reduce the chance of MGUS turning into multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and human-sample studies have linked marrow aging, iron handling, and DKK1 to MGUS progression, but using microenvironment-targeting interventions to prevent progression remains mostly preclinical and novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhan, Fenghuang — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhan, Fenghuang
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.