Michael Linden
,
Credentials
M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Director of Hematopathology
Biography

Research Summary

Dr. Linden is Director of Hematopathology. As a graduate student, he developed a novel genetically engineered mouse model of multiple myeloma with characteristics similar to those found in human disease. Linden has continued doing research on multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms while translating that knowledge to clinical application through improved laboratory diagnoses, clinical monitoring, and prediction of disease resistance to therapy.Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Compared to other lymphoid malignancies, the disease has been difficult to study and treat due to its genetic heterogeneity. Investigators use murine and human myeloma cell lines, xenograft models, and genetically engineered mice to identify the multiple genetic pathways involved in the pathobiology of the disease as well as mechanisms of drug resistance. Linden is collaborating with colleagues who are using murine and human cell lines, in addition to primary human samples, to characterize genotypic and immunophenotypic signatures of drug resistance.Linden's laboratory is working to create new diagnostic tests that will aid in predicting chemotherapeutic sensitivity or disease resistance—an individualized therapy approach. In addition, as the analytic sensitivity of flow cytometric methods to evaluate for minimal residual disease is improving, Linden is working with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to improve and standardize diagnostic testing.In recent years the treatment approach to multiple myeloma has been the subject of a "cure versus control" discussion among clinicians. As novel chemotherapeutic combinations and transplant continue to improve treatment, the likelihood of cure continually increases. Simultaneously, clinical teams have asked for improved diagnostic testing to help define cure. Linden hopes to use his role as a CAP committee chair to guide efforts to improve standardization and quality of flow cytometric testing for myeloma patients.

Selected Publications

For a more comprehensive list of publications, click HERE

  • Han SY, Mrózek K, Voutsinas J, Wu Q, Morgan EA, Vestergaard H, Ohgami R, Kluin PM, Kristensen TK, Pullarkat S, Møller MB, Schiefer AI, Baughn LB, Kim Y, Czuchlewski D, Hilberink JR, Horny HP, George TI, Dolan M, Ku NK, Arana Yi C, Pullarkat V, Kohlschmidt J, Salhotra A, Soma L, Bloomfield CD, Chen D, Sperr WR, Marcucci G, Cho C, Akin C, Gotlib J, Broesby-Olsen S, Larson M, Linden MA, Deeg HJ, Hoermann G, Perales MA, Hornick JL, Litzow MR, Nakamura R, Weisdorf D, Borthakur G, Huls G, Valent P, Ustun C, Yeung CCS. Secondary cytogenetic abnormalities in core-binding factor AML harboring inv(16) vs t(8;21). Blood Adv. 2021 May 25;5(10):2481-2489. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003605.

Clinical Summary

• Lymph node pathology • Bone marrow pathology • Flow cytometry • Minimal residual disease • External quality assurance/proficiency testing • Plasma cell myeloma

Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements

University of Washington, Seattle (Hematopathology), 2010-2011,
University of Washington, Seattle (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology), 2066-2010,

Licensures and Certifications

Hematology,
Anatomic and Clinical Pathology,
Contact

Contact

Address

Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
420 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0341