Investigating obesity induced gut microbiome changes in the development of multiple myeloma

Background: Approximately 6,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in the UK each year. Presently myeloma remains incurable with a median survival of about 50%. MM is a cancer of plasma cells, which are considered the backbone of the adaptive immune system due to their ability to produce immunoglobulins and fight microbial infections. There are many associated risk factors for MM, however, obesity has consistently been recognized as a risk factor. In this project with access to human samples from MM patients, the aim of this study is to determine the role of obesity induced changes in gut microbiota on driving/influencing the progression of MM.

Research methodology: Gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating MM development in the context of its local bone marrow but also the wider organ system will enable us to propose strategies for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this project is to define the metabolic mechanisms underpinning MM progression. Specifically, we will determine the role of changes in gut microbiota induced by obesity in these processes.