Stopping IgM MGUS from progressing to lymphoma by targeting the MYD88 L265P mutation
Prevent IgM MGUS Progression by Targeting the Driver Mutation
This work uses AI-found drugs to try to block the MYD88 L265P mutation in people with IgM MGUS to prevent progression to Waldenström’s and related blood cancers.
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-11171636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have IgM MGUS, this team is focusing on the common MYD88 L265P mutation that often drives progression to Waldenström’s and other blood cancers. They discovered that the RNF138 protein adds a modification to the mutant MYD88 that is essential for its cancer-causing activity. Using a deep-learning AI screen of about ten million compounds, the team identified many initial hit compounds that bind the mutant protein. The plan is to test those hits in the lab and move promising candidates toward treatments that could be used in people at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with IgM MGUS, especially those whose tests show the MYD88 L265P mutation, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not carry the MYD88 L265P mutation or who have other unrelated monoclonal gammopathies are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the risk that people with IgM MGUS develop Waldenström’s, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, CLL, or AL amyloidosis.
How similar studies have performed: Some therapies targeting MYD88-related pathways help patients with established Waldenström’s, but using AI-discovered drugs to prevent IgM MGUS progression is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Yong
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.