# Decoupling Bidirectional EphB/ephrinB2 in Multiple Myeloma

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $257,099

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9872281
- **Project number:** 1K08CA245483-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Joshua P Sasine
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $257,099
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2020-11-06

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9872281

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9872281, Decoupling Bidirectional EphB/ephrinB2 in Multiple Myeloma (1K08CA245483-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9872281. Licensed CC0.

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