The Prognostic Value of Whole-Blood PSMB5, CXCR4, POMP, and RPL5 mRNA Expression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib

Potentials of ribosomopathy gene as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment

Ribosomopathies encompass a spectrum of disorders arising from impaired ribosome biogenesis and reduced functionality. Mutation or dysexpression of the genes that disturb any finely regulated steps of ribosome biogenesis can result in different types of ribosomopathies in clinic, collectively known as ribosomopathy genes. Emerging data suggest that ribosomopathy patients exhibit a significantly heightened susceptibility to cancer. Abnormal ribosome biogenesis and dysregulation of some ribosomopathy genes have also been found to be intimately associated with cancer development. The correlation between ribosome biogenesis or ribosomopathy and the development of malignancies has been well established. This work aims to review the recent advances in the research of ribosomopathy genes among human cancers and meanwhile, to excavate the potential role of these genes, which have not or rarely been reported in cancer, in the disease development across cancers. We plan to establish a theoretical framework between the ribosomopathy gene and cancer development, to further facilitate the potential of these genes as diagnostic biomarker as well as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment.

MiR-383 sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to bortezomib treatment via down-regulating PSMB5

BACKGROUND

Proteasome inhibition is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Bortezomib, which primarily targets the chymotrypsin-like activity of PSMB5, has demonstrated efficacy in various tumors. However, there is variable sensitivity to bortezomib, which could be attributed, in part, to variations in the expression of proteasome subunits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated whether miR-383 affects the expression of proteasome subunits in osteosarcoma (OS) cells, and if so, whether OS cells display differential sensitivity to bortezomib concerning miR-383 expression. We detected a decreased miR-383 expression in OS cells and tissues. Then we found a negative correlation between the cytotoxicity of bortezomib and the expression level of the proteasome 20S core particle subunit β5 (PSMB5). Intriguingly, we identified PSMB5 as a direct target of miR-383. Increased expression of miR-383 resulted in decreased PSMB5 expression and increased sensitivity to bortezomib in OS cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our findings present the initial comprehensive analysis of the function of miR-383 in OS. The outcomes indicate that miR-383 may augment the anticancer effect of bortezomib through PSMB5 repression, offering a novel therapeutic approach in OS and a fresh pathway for proteasome regulation.

Pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and personalized managements of multiple myeloma with chromosome 1 abnormalities

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a biologically heterogeneous malignancy defined by the proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells. Despite the tremendous advancement in MM treatment over the past decades, relapse remains a major problem which is inevitable for most patients. In particular, a partial of patients with early relapse and poor outcomes are classified as a high-risk group. Apart from the clinical stage, genetic aberrations are now recognized as important prognostic factors for identifying high-risk patients. Chromosome 1 abnormalities (C1As), particularly 1q21 gain or amplification, have been identified as common genetic aberrations in patients with MM and are often considered unfavorable prognostic markers for progression-free survival and overall survival. However, more effective therapeutic approaches are still needed to overcome the negative impact of C1As. Therefore, we summarize the prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical significance and present therapeutic condition of C1As in MM, and attempt to conclude the precise and personalized management for patients with C1As.

DDX24 promotes metastasis by regulating RPL5 in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death, and metastasis is a crucial determinant of increased cancer mortality. DDX24 has garnered increased attention due to its correlation with tumorigenesis and malignant progression. However, the correlation between DDX24 and NSCLC remains unclear.

METHODS

DDX24 expression in NSCLC tissues and survival rate of patients was analyzed using bioinformatic analysis. Transwell assays, wound-healing assays, and tail vein lung colonization models were employed to determine the role of DDX24 in migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. We searched for DDX24-interacting proteins using co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectroscopy and verified the interaction. The influence of DDX24 on RPL5 expression and ubiquitination was examined using protein stability assays.

RESULTS

DDX24 expression was upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tumors of patients, particularly those with high tumor grades. A high DDX24 level was also correlated with a poor prognosis. DDX24 upregulation enhanced the migration and invasion ability of NSCLC cells, whereas its downregulation had the opposite effects. In vivo xenograft experiments confirmed that tumors with high DDX24 expression had higher metastatic abilities. The interaction between DDX24 and RPL5 promoted its ubiquitination and destabilized it.

CONCLUSIONS

DDX24 acted as a pro-tumorigenic factor and promoted metastasis in NSCLC. DDX24 interacted with RPL5 to promote its ubiquitination and degradation. As a result, targeting DDX24/RPL5 axis may provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

Molecular Impact of the Tumor Microenvironment on Multiple Myeloma Dissemination and Extramedullary Disease

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common malignant monoclonal disease of plasma cells. Aside from classical chemotherapy and glucocorticoids, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents and monoclonal antibodies are used in the current treatment scheme of MM. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of numerous solid and non-solid cancer entities. In MM, the survival and expansion of malignant plasma cell clones heavily depends on various direct and indirect signaling pathways provided by the surrounding bone marrow (BM) niche. In a number of MM patients, single plasma cell clones lose their BM dependency and are capable to engraft at distant body sites or organs. The resulting condition is defined as an extramedullary myeloma (EMM). EMMs are highly aggressive disease stages linked to a dismal prognosis. Emerging literature demonstrates that the dynamic interactions between the TME and malignant plasma cells affect myeloma dissemination. In this review, we aim to summarize how the cellular and non-cellular BM compartments can promote plasma cells to exit their BM niche and metastasize to distant intra-or extramedullary locations. In addition, we list selected therapy concepts that directly target the TME with the potential to prevent myeloma spread.

The Significance of mRNA in the Biology of Multiple Myeloma and Its Clinical Implications

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically complex disease that results from a multistep transformation of normal to malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and heterogeneous evolution of MM remain largely unknown. A fundamental step needed to understand the oncogenesis of MM and its response to therapy is the identification of driver mutations. The introduction of gene expression profiling (GEP) in MM is an important step in elucidating the molecular heterogeneity of MM and its clinical relevance. Since some mutations in myeloma occur in non-coding regions, studies based on the analysis of mRNA provide more comprehensive information on the oncogenic pathways and mechanisms relevant to MM biology. In this review, we discuss the role of gene expression profiling in understanding the biology of multiple myeloma together with the clinical manifestation of the disease, as well as its impact on treatment decisions and future directions.

Prognostic Value of Resistance Proteins in Plasma Cells from Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Bortezomib-Based Regimens

While multiple myeloma (MM) treatment with proteasome inhibitors and other agents yields encouraging results, primary and secondary resistance remains an emerging problem. An important factor in such treatment resistance is the overexpression of several proteins. The present study comprehensively evaluates the expression of POMP, PSMB5, NRF2, XBP1, cMAF and MAFb proteins in plasma cells isolated from the bone marrow of 39 MM patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proteins were selected on the basis of previous laboratory and clinical studies in bortezomib-treated MM patients. It was found that the expression of the investigated proteins did not significantly differ between bortezomib-sensitive and bortezomib-refractory patients. However, the expression of some proteins correlated with overall survival (OS); this was significantly shorter in patients with higher POMP expression (HR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.0, p = 0.0277) and longer in those with higher MAFB expression (HR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.80, p = 0.0147). Our results indicate that a high expression of POMP and MAFB in MM plasma cells may serve as predictors of OS in MM patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens. However, further studies are needed to determine the role of these factors in effective strategies for improving anti-myeloma therapy.

Immunological Prognostic Factors in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by an abnormal proliferation of clonal, terminally differentiated B lymphocytes. Current approaches for the treatment of MM focus on developing new diagnostic techniques; however, the search for prognostic markers is also crucial. This enables the classification of patients into risk groups and, thus, the selection of the most optimal treatment method. Particular attention should be paid to the possible use of immune factors, as the immune system plays a key role in the formation and course of MM. In this review, we focus on characterizing the components of the immune system that are of prognostic value in MM patients, in order to facilitate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic directions.