Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5U01CA271014-03 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Vachon, Celine |
Organization: |
Mayo Clinic Rochester |
Project Title: |
Impact of Genetic Susceptibility Along the Continuum From Mgus to Mm |
Fiscal Year: |
2024 |
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), is a benign plasma cell disorder, common in
the population (3-5% ≥50 years) and characterized by an asymptomatic clonal plasma cell expansion.
Although MGUS precedes multiple myeloma (MM) with progression rates of 1% per year, most (>75%) MGUS
never progress. MGUS is also associated with increased risk of infection, fracture, osteoporosis, renal
impairment, and thrombosis, with resultant morbidity and mortality. Few risk factors are identified for either the
development of MGUS or MGUS progression to MM, with African American (AA) ancestry being one of the
strongest. Identifying individuals who are more likely to progress is important given that individuals
with MGUS who are closely monitored prior to development of MM have better outcomes. Prior work
identified genetic variations associated with MM through family studies and, more recently, through genome
wide association studies (GWAS). However, no well-powered genetic epidemiology studies of MGUS have
been performed, particularly in AAs; and to our knowledge, none have investigated whether detection of
genetic variation improves the identification of high-risk MGUS, including those that progress to MM.
Therefore, we propose a comprehensive evaluation of genetic susceptibility to MGUS (Aim 1) and MGUS
progression to MM (Aim 2) using established epidemiologic and genomic studies among European Americans
(EA). Given the racial predisposition for MGUS and MM among AAs, for the first time, we propose to evaluate
the known MM susceptibility variants and novel variants identified in Aims 1-2 in AAs (Aim 3). Using both
GWAS and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), we will answer the questions: (1) What are the
genetic variations and genes predisposing to MGUS (Aim 1)? (2) How do these compare to genetic
predisposition associated with progression from MGUS to MM (Aim 2)? (3) Do these identified genetic factors
(and consequent polygenic risk scores, PRS) differentiate between MGUS patients that do and do not progress
to active MM (Aim 2)? and finally, (4) Are these genetic factors for MGUS risk and progression similar across
populations of EA and AA ancestries (Aim 3)? We will utilize established EA and AA studies of MGUS and
MGUS progression to MM (MM vs. MGUS), the majority with GWAS, to allow for discovery and validation. We
will also leverage genomic data, including RNA-sequencing of both whole blood (peripheral blood mononuclear
cells, PBMCs) and sorted CD138+ bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) from MGUS patients to inform gene
expression for the TWAS. Further, we will perform functional characterization of the new genes or variants
validated in both EA and AA populations. Upon completion, our study will validate and characterize germline
genetic factors associated with risk of MGUS and progression to MM in both EAs and AAs. It will have high
impact, providing insight to MGUS and MM etiology and informing genetic contributions to clinical risk models
for progression for the millions of people living with MGUS.
Publications
Identification of novel genetic loci for risk of multiple myeloma by functional annotation.
Authors: Macauda A.
, Briem K.
, Clay-Gilmour A.
, Cozen W.
, Försti A.
, Giaccherini M.
, Corradi C.
, Sainz J.
, Niazi Y.
, Ter Horst R.
, et al.
.
Source: Leukemia, 2023 Nov; 37(11), p. 2326-2329.
EPub date: 2023-09-18.
PMID: 37723249
Related Citations
Relationship among three common hematological premalignant conditions.
Authors: Boddicker N.J.
, Parikh S.A.
, Norman A.D.
, Rabe K.G.
, Griffin R.
, Call T.G.
, Robinson D.P.
, Olson J.E.
, Dispenzieri A.
, Rajkumar V.
, et al.
.
Source: Leukemia, 2023 Aug; 37(8), p. 1719-1722.
EPub date: 2023-05-05.
PMID: 37147423
Related Citations