Understanding how multiple myeloma cells survive and resist treatment

Analyzing protein homeostasis pathways in multiple myeloma stem-like cells

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10980521

This work explores how certain multiple myeloma cells survive and become resistant to treatments, aiming to find new ways to target them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10980521 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that can be hard to treat, especially when cancer cells become resistant to medicines. We know that some myeloma cells can hide in the bone marrow, making them difficult to kill with standard chemotherapy. This project looks closely at these "stem-like" myeloma cells to understand how they protect themselves. We are focusing on a specific protein, TRIM44, which appears to help these cells survive and resist current treatments. By understanding how TRIM44 works, we hope to find new ways to stop these resistant cells from growing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding the biology of multiple myeloma, particularly drug-resistant forms, and does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trial opportunities would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that overcome drug resistance in multiple myeloma, offering better outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing knowledge about multiple myeloma drug resistance and the role of protein regulation, but the specific focus on TRIM44 in stem-like cells represents a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.