MELK and plasma cell myeloma: Myeloma survival factors c-Myc and IRF4 also decreased in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines.12 p53 levels decreased in U266 cells but were only modestly changed in MM1S cells, and the p53 target, p21, was increased in p53 wild-type cells and fluctuated in p53 mutant cells, which agreed with previous findings.14 Altogether, these data reveal potent apoptotic effects of OTS167 in malignant MM PC, support the potential for OTS167 to overcome drug resistance, and define novel targets of MELK whose inhibition is known to promote myeloma cell death.