Targeting the BiP protein to trigger cancer cell death in multiple myeloma
Official title: Targeting the Unfolded Protein Response Master Regulator BiP to Induce CellDeath in Multiple Myeloma
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11418985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist in training is studying how a key cellular stress pathway keeps plasma cells alive in multiple myeloma and exploring BiP as a potential therapeutic target.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $280,638 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA297136-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with multiple myeloma could indirectly benefit as future trials may test BiP-targeted therapies developed from this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
The immediate study is preclinical; current patients are not recruited for this grant.
What this research studies
This grant supports a mentored, 5-year career development plan at the University of Pennsylvania to study how the unfolded protein response helps multiple myeloma cells survive and how inhibiting BiP could promote cancer cell death. The research combines intensive lab work, structured training, and expert mentorship to translate basic findings into potential therapies that could move toward clinical trials. The focus is on understanding and interrupting a protein-stress pathway that plasma cells rely on to cope with extreme antibody production. The goal is to prepare the investigator to lead independent translational research in MM and to develop new treatment strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify BiP as a drug target and pave the way for new therapies that improve survival for people with multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that unfolded protein response pathways are critical for plasma cell survival, supporting the approach but clinical translation is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasanali, Zainul S — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Hasanali, Zainul S
Related research
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Researchers are studying why some myeloma cells resist treatment and how to create new therapies to prevent relapse.
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.