Cody Ashby

Cody Ashby, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He joined UAMS in 2014 as a post-doctoral fellow in the Myeloma Center and transitioned to his current role in 2015. Dr. Ashby holds a PhD in Molecular Biosciences and a Master’s in Computer Science from Arkansas State University.

His research focuses on cancer genomics, particularly in multiple myeloma. He employs advanced sequencing technologies (e.g., whole-genome, RNA, single-cell, and long-read sequencing) to identify key genes and therapeutic targets in cancer progression. His work emphasizes understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying myeloma development, bone disease, and drug resistance, with a focus on translational applications.

Recent studies highlight his exploration of biomarkers for disease progression, such as the Polyclonal Plasma Cell (PolyPC) signature and imaging-based prognostic factors. He also investigates signaling pathways (e.g., NOTCH3-CXCL12, CCL3-HMGB1) and epigenetic regulators (e.g., H3K4me3 domains) that drive tumor growth and microenvironment interactions. His work bridges computational methods with clinical data to improve risk stratification and treatment strategies.

Dr. Ashby’s research has contributed to the development of targeted therapies, including CAR-T cell approaches and drug combinations that enhance both anti-tumor and bone-protective effects. He has managed multiple projects, including the Myeloma Genome Project Panel for molecular profiling and studies on race-related disparities in myeloma outcomes in Arkansas.