Boston Medical Center · Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Szalat Lab
We study the biology of plasma cell disorders, from AL amyloidosis to multiple myeloma, to improve how patients are diagnosed, monitored, and treated.
The Szalat Lab combines single-cell and multiomic profiling of patient bone marrow with clinical research in multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. Our work connects the features of malignant and non-malignant plasma cells and their microenvironment to treatment response and clinical outcomes.
Current Projects
All research areas →01
Plasma cell biology in AL amyloidosis
In AL amyloidosis, a small clone of plasma cells produces misfolded light chains that damage the heart, kidneys, and other organs. We use single-cell profiling of patient bone marrow to study the clonal plasma cells that drive the disease alongside the non-malignant plasma cells that surround them.
02
Bone marrow microenvironment and treatment response
Plasma cell disorders develop within the bone marrow, where immune, myeloid, and stromal cells shape how the disease grows and how it responds to therapy. We profile the marrow before and after treatment to understand which features of the microenvironment accompany deep and durable responses.
03
Translational and clinical research in multiple myeloma
We design and lead clinical trials in multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders at Boston Medical Center, and we study biomarkers that can guide diagnosis, response assessment, and treatment choice for a diverse patient population.
Selected publications
All publications →- 2026
Genomically Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Is Not a Distinct Entity But a Collection of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance or Multiple Myeloma
- 2025
ID2 Suppresses Multiple Myeloma Cell Proliferation by Repressing the Activity of the Transcription Factor TCF3
- 2024
Bone marrow stromal cells induce chromatin remodeling in multiple myeloma cells leading to transcriptional changes
- 2024
Graded Organ Response and Progression Criteria for Kidney Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis
- 2023
Graded Cardiac Response Criteria for Patients With Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis
- 2023
High-dose melphalan treatment significantly increases mutational burden at relapse in multiple myeloma
People
Physicians, scientists, and trainees working across the clinic and the lab.