Understanding how fat cells in bone marrow affect multiple myeloma
Research Specialist Support for Defining the Roles of Bone Marrow Adipocytes and FABP4/5 Signaling in Multiple Myeloma
This work explores how fat cells in the bone marrow interact with multiple myeloma cells to find new ways to help patients with this blood cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mainehealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122264 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, grows within the bone marrow, which contains fat cells that may influence how the cancer progresses and responds to treatment. We are learning more about the connection between these fat cells and myeloma, especially how they might make cancer cells resistant to drugs. Our goal is to uncover new weaknesses in myeloma cells by understanding their communication with bone marrow fat cells. We use advanced 3D models to study these interactions, focusing on specific proteins called FABP4 and FABP5 that link fat cells and myeloma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with multiple myeloma, especially those who experience drug resistance or have a higher body mass index, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than multiple myeloma are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that overcome drug resistance in multiple myeloma patients by targeting the interactions between cancer cells and bone marrow fat.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary cell culture studies suggest that bone marrow fat cells can induce drug resistance in myeloma cells, indicating a promising area for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Mainehealth — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Heather F — Mainehealth
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Heather F
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.