Stopping bone damage in multiple myeloma by blocking RANK signaling
RANK Signaling Inhibitors for Osteolytic Lesions in Multiple Myeloma
This project develops small molecules that block RANK signaling to prevent bone lesions in people with multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
People with multiple myeloma often get painful bone lesions because the tumor increases bone-breaking cells called osteoclasts. The team is studying specific parts of the RANK protein that control osteoclast formation and has made animal models to test targeted inhibitors. The goal is to make small-molecule drugs that stop bone damage without hurting immune cells the way current drugs can. These experiments are mainly done in the lab and in animal models to guide future treatments for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ultimately, people with multiple myeloma who have or are at high risk for bone lesions and skeletal-related events would be the likely candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without bone involvement or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly while this work remains preclinical.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to less immunosuppressive, potentially cheaper and easier-to-give treatments that reduce bone lesions and related complications in multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Antiresorptive drugs like denosumab and bisphosphonates reduce bone events but carry immune and jaw-risk side effects, and small-molecule inhibitors that selectively block RANK signaling in bone are a relatively novel approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Xu — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Feng, Xu
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.