Ryan M. Young, Ph.D.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy of plasma cells marked by extreme genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Chromosomal hyperdiploidy or recurrent chromosomal translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus primarily characterize this disease, with an abundance of mutations targeting the RAS and NF-kB pathways, among others. While the genetics of MM have been well-annotated, much less is known about pathogenic signaling in MM or how common mutations may contribute to oncogenic signaling. My research program utilizes cutting-edge proteogenomic techniques, high-resolution microscopy imaging and biochemical approaches to discover molecular mechanisms of pathogenic signaling in MM, with the goal of finding new opportunities for the targeted treatment of MM.

Dr. Young received his B.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he performed thesis work with Dr. Hongkui Deng. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cornell University in the laboratory of Drs. Barbara Baird and David Holowka. He pursued post-doctoral training at National Jewish Medical Research Center and the National Cancer Institute, and was later promoted to Staff Scientist in the laboratory Dr. Lou Staudt. Dr. Young was appointed as an Earl Stadtman Investigator in the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch in 2020.