Dr. Keats is primarily interested in multiple myeloma with secondary interests in other hematological malignancies and immunodeficiency syndromes. His lab is focused on using novel methods to interrogate the genomic features of these diseases with the goal of identifying genetic events that drive the development, progression, and mediate therapeutic resistance. His previous work identified a cornucopia of mutations resulting in the constitutive activation of the NF-kB pathway in multiple myeloma, which identifies a subset of patients who are very sensitive proteosome inhibitors. Recently, he was intimately involved in the Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, which has completed sequencing a 100 multiple myeloma tumors. His lab is currently focused on understanding how some of the most frequently mutated genes identified in his previous studies are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. Moreover, his lab continues to be involved in the genetic characterization of multiple myeloma with a focus on integrating disparate datasets to develop a better understanding of the disease.
Dr. Keats joined TGen as an Assistant Professor in July 2010. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in 2005 where he studied the clinical and biological consequences of t(4;14)(p16;q32) in multiple myeloma under the supervision of Dr. Linda Pilarski. After completing his Ph.D., he moved to the Mayo Clinic for his post-graduate training. At Mayo Clinic, he worked with Dr. Leif Bergsagel to identify novel genetic events underlying the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.
