My research objectives are to study the impact of decoupling the EphB4/ephrinB2 axis in multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of antibody-secreting plasma cells, and the mechanisms through which outcomes of decoupling occur. The Eph/ephrin family is the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Eph/ephrin interactions mediate bidirectional signaling events in juxtaposed cells. Our preliminary studies suggest that Eph/ephrin interactions between MM and bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs) are required for MM pathogenesis. MM is the most common primary bone marrow malignancy and although recent advances in treatment have prolonged the life expectancy of patients suffering with this disease, it remains incurable and inexorably fatal. Understanding of the biology of MM will reveal vulnerabilities that will lead to the development of targeted therapies for malignant plasma cells. Additionally, our preliminary studies regarding Eph/ephrin signaling provide important new insights into the pathological reciprocity of cancer cells and their microenvironmental neighbors. Here, we will use new tools to decouple the partnership of the Eph receptor/ephrin interaction. Historically, separating influences of such signaling events was less feasible. Now armed with advanced tools, we propose to dissect the bidirectionality inherent in this signaling pathway and provide a new insight into the pathological basis of MM. My primary short-term goals are to combine my scientific research and clinical care into a medically relevant and scientifically rigorous endeavor, while expanding my scientific skillset and progressing toward an independent research program. This award, training plan, and scientific aims are a critical step in the merger of my clinical and research training. I plan to lead a laboratory program dedicated to furthering the understanding of hematopoietic cancer pathology and discovering new therapeutic avenues. Long-term, I plan to become a leader in hematopoietic malignancies and cellular therapy. My training outline, mentorship plan, and scientific strategy are constructed to best reach my goals. This plan builds on my strong foundation in hematopoietic stem cell biology to transition into cancer biology. The career development plan includes expanding my skillset to include 1) building relevant in vivo cancer models; 2) didactic and hands-on training in developing an expanded knowledge base, scientific research tools, and techniques relevant to cancer biology; 3) transition to independence, supported by the completion of the aims of this award. This proposed track has already been initiated and the strong preliminary results, I believe, predict a high likelihood of success.
Multiple Myeloma is one of the most common cancers of blood cells; although the treatment has become more effective, multiple myeloma remains incurable. These cancer cells reside mainly in the bone marrow where they are supported by the normal bone marrow cells, particularly cells that form blood vessels. Our preliminary experiments implicated proteins called the EphB and ephrinB families in this interaction and our study is designed to determine if inhibiting the ability of these proteins to interact impairs the progression of this cancer.
