Induction of Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma by Ligands of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPAR-γ).

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-g) is a member of a nuclear receptor superfamily, which is expressed in different tumor tissues. Activation of PPAR-γ by its ligands has been shown to reduce tumor growth, interfere with tumor cell differentiation, and induce apoptosis in a variety of human malignancies including solid tumors like colon, breast, lung, liver, prostate cancer, as well as hematological malignancies like myeloid leukemia. Recently, it has been shown that both human B-lymphocytes and B-lymphomas express PPAR-γ and induce apoptosis. 15-deoxy-delta-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is a natural activator of PPAR-γ. Thiazolidinediones, including troglitazone, rosiglitazone (RGZ), and pioglitazone (PGZ), comprise a group of synthetic PPAR-γ agonists that are currently in use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and have revealed anti-tumor activity in vitro. We investigated in five human multiple myeloma cell lines (LP-1, U-266, RPMI-8226, OPM-2 and IM-9) and sorted human bone marrow myeloma cells whether treatment with PGZ, RGZ or 15d-PGJ2 inhibited tumor cell growth. Expression of PPAR-γ protein was demonstrated by western blot analysis in these cell lines. All 5 cell lines were sensitive to the PPAR-γ agonists. MTT assays revealed growth arrest induced by the natural activator of PPAR-γ 15d-PGJ2 and a lower antiproliferative effect with PGZ and RGZ in a dose dependent manner. At a dose of 50 μM 15d-PGJ2 cell proliferation was reduced to values between 0% and 26% in all multiple myeloma cell lines tested. In most cell lines the anti-proliferative effect was already detectable at 10 μM. At a dose level of 50 μM PGZ cell proliferation was reduced in MTT assay after 48 hours of incubation to 48% in LP-1, 52% in IM-9, 56% in OPM-2, 72% in U-266 and 77% in RPMI-8226. Comparable results were obtained with RGZ. Induction of apoptosis was indicated by annexin V staining. Cell lines were incubated with 50 μM of PPAR-γ agonists, a concentration which had been proven to be effective for growth inhibition in MTT assay before. Again, 15-dPGJ2 was more effective than PGZ and RGZ. All of the 15d-PGJ2 treated cell lines revealed specific apoptosis ranging between 60% and 92%. Apoptosis induced by PGZ in U-266, RPMI-8226-S, IM-9, and OPM-2 cell lines ranged between 17% and 43%, for RGZ it ranged between 20% and 50%. Furthermore, in sorted bone marrow plasma cells from myeloma patients induction of apoptosis was detected. Bone marrow multiple myeloma cells from five different patients were tested. The specific apoptosis rate induced by 15-dPGJ2 lay between 29% and 96%. Apoptosis induced by PGZ showed interindividual differences. In the myeloma cells from four patients the rate of specific apoptosis ranged between 9% and 28%, but in one patient induction of apoptosis was observed neither with PGZ nor with RGZ. For RGZ, the rate of apoptosis induced in the myeloma cells from the other four patients ranged between 7% and 26%. The rate of specific apoptosis induced by 15D-PGJ2 was not statistically different for sorted human bone marrow myeloma cells sensitive versus refractory to conventional chemotherapy with anthracyclines and alkylating agents (p = 0.8). This is one of the first studies evaluating PPAR-γ expression and its therapeutical implications in human multiple myeloma cells. Thiazolidinediones comprise anti-myeloma activity and should be explored further for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

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A Role for Syntenin-1 in Multiple Myeloma Cell Survival

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-113594 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1008-1008

Author(s):

Tyler Moser-Katz ◽

Catherine M. Gavile ◽

Benjamin G Barwick ◽

Sagar Lonial ◽

Lawrence H. Boise

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Cell Death ◽

Cell Survival ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Surface Expression ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Rpmi 8226

Abstract Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in the U.S. with an estimated 30,700 new diagnoses in 2018. It is a clonal disease of plasma cells that, despite recent therapeutic advances, remains incurable. Myeloma cells retain numerous characteristics of normal plasma cells including reliance on survival signals in the bone marrow for long term viability. However, malignant transformation of plasma cells imparts the ability to proliferate, causing harmful bone lesions in patients, and in advanced stages independence of the bone-marrow microenvironment. Therefore, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms of myeloma cell survival that allow them to become extramedullary. We identified syntenin-1 (SDCBP) as a protein involved in myeloma cell survival and a potential therapeutic target. Syntenin-1 is an adapter protein that has been shown to regulate surface expression of several transmembrane proteins by binding with membrane phospholipids and mediating vesicular trafficking of proteins throughout the cell. Syntenin-1 regulates the surface expression of CD138, a plasma/myeloma cell marker. Syntenin-1 has been shown to regulate apoptosis in numerous cancer cell lines including breast cancer, glioma, and pancreatic cancer but its role in multiple myeloma survival has not been studied. To determine if syntenin-1 expression has an effect on myeloma cell survival, we utilized the CoMMpass dataset (IA12), a longitudinal study of myeloma patients that includes transcriptomic analysis throughout treatment. We found that patients with the highest expression of syntenin-1 mRNA (top quartile) had significantly worse overall survival, progression-free survival, and a shorter response duration than those in the bottom quartile of expression. To determine if syntenin-1 has a role in myeloma cell survival, we used short hairpin RNA to knock down syntenin-1 (shsyn) in RPMI 8226 and MM1.s myeloma cell lines. We then determined the amount of cell death using Annexin-V staining flow cytometry four days following lentiviral infection. We found increased cell death in syntenin-1-silenced cells compared to our empty vector control in both RPMI 8226 (control=42.17%, shsyn=71.53%, p=0.04) and MM1.s cell lines (control=8.57%, shsyn=29.9%, p=0.04) suggesting that syntenin-1 is important for myeloma cell survival. Syntenin-1 contains two PDZ domains that allow it to bind to receptor proteins via their corresponding PDZ-binding motifs. We therefore wanted to look at correlation of syntenin-1 expression with CD138 and CD86, two PDZ-binding domain containing proteins expressed on the surface of myeloma cells. Using the CoMMpass dataset, we found patients with high expression of syntenin-1 had a median expression of CD86 that was twice as high as the total population (P<0.0001) while syntenin-1-low patients expressed CD86 at levels that were half as much as the population (P<0.0001). In contrast, there was no clear relationship between syntenin-1 and CD138 mRNA expression. Indeed if one takes into account all patients, there is a positive correlation between CD86 and syntenin-1 expression (r=0.228, P<0.0001) while there is a negative correlation between CD138 and syntenin-1 (r=-0.1923, P<0.0001). The correlation with CD86 but not CD138 suggests a previously undescribed role for syntenin-1 in myeloma cells. Our lab has previously shown that expression of CD86 is necessary for myeloma cell survival, and signals via its cytoplasmic domain to confer drug resistance. Silencing syntenin-1 results in a decrease in CD86 surface expression. However, there is no change in CD86 transcript or total cellular CD86 protein levels in our shsyn treated cells. Moreover, knockdown of CD86 resulted in increased protein expression and transcript levels of syntenin-1. Taken together, these data suggest that syntenin-1 may regulate CD86 expression on the cell surface. Our data supports a novel role for syntenin-1 in myeloma cell viability and as a potential regulator of CD86 surface expression. The role of syntenin-1 has not previously been explored in multiple myeloma and determining its molecular function is warranted as it may be an attractive target for therapeutic treatment of the disease. Disclosures Lonial: Amgen: Research Funding. Boise:AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy.

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Cucurbitacin I (JSI-124) Has Potent Anti-Myeloma Effects Independent of Its Inhibition of JAK2-Induced STAT3 Activation.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2521.2521 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 2521-2521

Author(s):

Huihui Ma ◽

Judith Ziegler ◽

Ren-Tien Feng ◽

Suzanne Lentzsch ◽

Markus Mapara

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Janus Kinase ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Induction Of Apoptosis ◽

Rpmi 8226 ◽

The Impact

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell proliferative disorder that results in considerable morbidity and mortality. JSI-124 is a plant natural product identified previously as Cucurbitacin I, isolated from various plant families such as the Cucurbitaceae and Cruciferae and has been recently described as a specific inhibitor of Janus Kinase-2 (JAK-2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3). Based on the critical role of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in MM we studied the effects of JSI-124 on different MM cells in vitro. Different human myeloma cell lines including MM1.S, IM9, OPM-2, RPMI-8226, ARH77 in addition to the murine 5TGM myeloma cell lines were incubated with increasing concentrations of JSI-124. The impact of JSI-124 on cell proliferation, cell cycle and induction of apoptosis was studied using [3H]-Thymidine incorporation, cell counting, flow cytometry and Annexin/PI staining and caspase 3, 8 and 9 activation. JSI-124 was able to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in several MM cell lines, including MM1.S, IM9, OPM-2, RPMI-8226, ARH77, U266 and 5TGM in a dose- and time-dependent manner. JSI-124 lead to activation of caspase 3, 8 and 9 indicating involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. JSI-124-mediated induction of apoptosis was independent of JAK2/STAT3 inhibition as MM1.S and 5TGM cells, which lack constitutive STAT3 (Tyr705) activation were equally sensitive to JSI-124 compared to U266 cells which show a constitutive STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation. However, JSI-124 treatment was able to abrogate IL-6 and bone marrow stroma (BMSC)-induced STAT3 (Tyr705) activation in MM1.S cells. In addition we were able to observe JSI-124 dependent inhibition of constitutive STAT3 (Ser727) activation in MM cell lines. To further delineate the mechanism underlying its anti-myeloma effects we studied the impact of JSI-124 treatment on NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K pathways. Indeed, JSI-124 treatment resulted in inhibition of p-p65, p-MEK1,2 and p-Akt underscoring the effect of JSI-124 on STAT3-independent signaling. Our results indicate that JSI-124 is a powerful direct inhibitor of myeloma cells blocking constitutive and IL-6/BMSC-dependent STAT3 activation in addition to STAT3 independent signaling pathways. JSI-124 might therefore serve as a potent novel anti-myeloma agent targeting both myeloma cells and its bone marrow microenvironment. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of JSI-124 and identify the STAT3 independent pathways contributing to myeloma cell growth and induction of apoptosis.

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Expression and Clinical Significance of CD137L in Multiple Myeloma Cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5616.5616 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 5616-5616

Author(s):

Chengcheng Fu ◽

Shuang Yan ◽

Depei Wu

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Clinical Significance ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Expression Level ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Low Level ◽

Rpmi 8226

Abstract 【 Background 】 Human CD137L molecule, a member of the TNF superfamily, was found to be expressed in a variety of malignant tumors, such as acute myeloid leukemia, non Hodgkin's lymphoma, associated with complete remission. Our previous experiments showed that high level of CD137L expressed on the surface of myeloma cell line RPMI-8226, U266, LP1, MY5 and KMS-11, as well as MM primary cell. However, we have no idea about the level of CD137L on MGUS (monoclonal gammapathy of undetermined significance) and the relation between the expression level and tumor stage, bionomics, prognosis of multiple myeloma. 【 Objective 】 (1) To determine expression and clinical significance of CD137L molecular in patients with MGUS and multiple myeloma cells; (2)To explore function of CD137L in multiple myeloma cell lines. 【 Methods 】 (1) The expression of CD137L molecule on myeloma cells/normal plasma cell surface was detected by flow cytometry; (2) Clinical significance of CD137L molecule expressed by multiple myeloma cells was accessed via rank sum test; expression level of high/low of CD137L on overall survival was evaluated through survival analysis and Log-Rank test; (3) SiRNA, the customization of SiRNA for CD137L gene, transfected myeloma cell lines U266, RPMI-8226, KMS-11 by Lipo3000.Then the expression of CD137L was detected by RT-PCR; cell cycle distribution after inhibition of CD137L signal was detected by PI; cell proliferation was detected by CCK8. 【 Results 】 (1) Fresh bone marrow specimens of 28 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients were collected. The expression of CD137L molecule on CD45-/CD38+/CD138+ cell group in bone marrow was detected, and the median expression level was 29 (7-94)%; the expression of CD137L molecule on 9 patients with MGUS was 7 (2-57)%; (2) That the expression level of CD137L between patients with MGUS and newly diagnosed MM showed statistic difference indicated that it could be as a marker for differential diagnosis; the different expression level by rank sum test between those with newly diagnosed MM and post-treated MM, post-treated MM and RRMM indicated that it could be a marker for MRD; (3) The follow-up of patients found that after the treatment CD137L level of 11/13 patients decreased, and these patients at least achieved PR; (4) there is no related with the level of CD137L and type, ISS stage, DS stage, white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, serum beta 2- microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum albumin, calcium concentration, the ratio of bone marrow plasma cell by correlation analysis; (5) According to median values of CD137L expression level, all the newly diagnosed patients were divided into two groups, low level expression and high level and survival analysis showed no significant difference by Log-Rank test. The 2 years survival rate of low level group and the high one was 84.7%, 74.1%; (6) KMS-11, RPMI 8226,U266 cells were transfected using Lipo3000 and only U266 cell line was inhibited obviously. Inhibition of CD137L induced cell proliferation by CCK8 test and a distribution change of G1 and S phase on cell cycle. 【 Conclusions 】 Multiple myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells had a high expression level of CD137L, MGUS cells had a low level while normal plasma cells surface without CD137L expression; CD137L can be a marker for diagnosis of MM and MGUS and for minimal residual disease; CD137L expression of MM patients had no correlation with clinical and biological features; In vitro the inhibition of CD137L signaling on U266 cells can induce cells proliferation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Interfering with Arginine Metabolism As a New Treatment Strategy for Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3005.3005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 3005-3005

Author(s):

Bjoern Jacobi ◽

Lea Stroeher ◽

Nadine Leuchtner ◽

Hakim Echchannaoui ◽

Alexander Desuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Death ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Intracellular Protein ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Induction Of Apoptosis

Abstract Introduction Starvation of tumor cells from the amino acid arginine has recently gained particular interest because of the downregulation of the rate-limiting enzyme argininosuccinate synthethase 1 (ASS1) in various cancer entities. ASS1-deficient cells cannot resynthesize arginine from citrulline and are therefore considered arginine auxotrophic. The arginine depleting enzyme arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20, Polaris Pharmaceuticals) is currently tested in phase I-III clinical trials for different arginine auxotrophic cancers. The natural arginine analogue canavanine can compete with arginine for arginyl-tRNA-binding sites and consequently be incorporated into nascent proteins instead of arginine. Canavanine could therefore potentially further disturb intracellular protein homeostasis, especially under arginine deprivation. The sensitivity of myeloma cells towards arginine depletion strategies has not been analyzed so far. Methods Human myeloma cell lines and CD138-sorted primary human myeloma cells from patient bone marrow were screened for ASS1 expression by western blotting (WB). The cells were cultured in arginine free medium and assessed for proliferation and metabolic activity (CFSE/MTT assays), apoptosis (caspase-3 cleavage) and cell death (annexinV/propidium iodide). Canavanine was supplied in both arginine-sufficient and -deficient conditions. The level of intracellular protein stress was determined by WB and/or flow cytometry analysis for ubiquitinated proteins, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (peIF2α) and the spliced isoform of the X-Box binding protein 1 (Xbp1s). Repetitive ADI-PEG20 ± canavanine application i.p. were tested in vivo in an U266 myeloma xenograft model in NOD/SCID/IL2Rcg-/- (NSG) mice. Arginine and canavanine levels in plasma were determined by HPLC. Tumor growth was measured, mice were assessed for survival, weight and side effects. Tumor tissues were analyzed for caspase-3 cleavage and Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results 5 of 6 myeloma cell lines were negative for ASS1. Also, ASS1 was either not or only weakly expressed in the majority of primary CD138+ myeloma patient samples. Arginine starvation induced an arrest of cell proliferation and/or metabolic activity of primary myeloma cells and myeloma cell lines after 18-24 h. Addition of citrulline could only rescue ASS1 positive myeloma cells due to the intracellular resynthesis of arginine. Arginine starvation alone led to delayed induction of apoptosis (e.g. 35% cell death of NCI-H929 cells after 72 h of treatment). Addition of 100 mM canavanine strongly increased cell death specifically in the context of arginine deficiency (e.g. cell death in NCI-H929 cells: 87% after 24 h, 100 % after 48h) while it was non-toxic and had no effect on cell viability under physiological arginine conditions. Co-application of canavanine induced ubiquitination of cellular proteins and led to the prolongation of a fatal unfolded protein response (UPR) as measured by markedly elevated Xbp1s levels. Prolonged UPR ultimately led to the induction of apoptosis as reflected by annexin V binding and caspase-3 cleavage. In an U266 myeloma NSG xenograft model, systemic arginine depletion by ADI-PEG20 suppressed tumor growth in vivo and significantly prolonged median survival of mice when compared with the control group (22±3 vs. 15±3 days). Canavanine treatment alone had no influence on viability (13±0 days). However, the combination of ADI-PEG20 and canavanine demonstrated the longest median survival (27±7 days). Histological examination of explanted tumors showed the highest rates of caspase-3 cleavage in the ADI-PEG20/canavanine group. Conclusion Myeloma cells are mostly arginine auxotrophic and can be selectively targeted by arginine starvation. Combination of arginine depletion with the arginine analogue canavanine leads to a highly efficient and specific tumor cell eradication and should be further optimized in multiple myeloma preclinical models. Disclosures Bomalaski: Polaris Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Mcl-1 Is Overexpressed in Multiple Myeloma and Correlates with Disease Severity.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.1419.1419 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 1419-1419

Author(s):

Soraya Wuilleme-Toumi ◽

Nelly Robillard ◽

Patricia Gomez-Bougie ◽

Philippe Moreau ◽

Steven Le Gouill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Myeloma Cells

Abstract Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a fatal malignancy of B-cell origin characterized by the accumulation of plasma cells within the bone marrow. The expression of the pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family has been shown to be a key process in the survival of myeloma cells. More particularly, Mcl-1 expression turned out to be critical for their survival. Indeed, knockdown of Mcl-1 by antisenses induces apoptosis in myeloma cells. Finally, Mcl-1 was found to be the only anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member which level of expression was modified by cytokine treatment of myeloma cells. For these reasons, we have evaluated the expression of Mcl-1 in vivo in normal, reactive and malignant plasma cells (PC) i.e., myeloma cells from 55 patients with MM and 20 human myeloma cell lines using flow cytometry. We show that Mcl-1 is overexpressed in MM in comparison with normal bone marrow PC. Forty-seven percent of patients with MM at diagnosis (p=.017) and 80% at relapse (p=.014 for comparison with diagnosis) overexpress Mcl-1. Of note, only myeloma cell lines but not reactive plasmocytoses have abnormal Mcl-1 expression, although both plasmocyte expansion entities share similar high proliferation rates (>20%). Of interest, Bcl-2 as opposed to Mcl-1, does not discriminate malignant from normal PC. This shows that the overexpression of Mcl-1 is clearly related to malignancy rather than to proliferation. It will be important to know whether the overexpression of Mcl-1 is related to an abnormal response to cytokines like Interleukin-6 or to mutations of the promoter of the Mcl-1 gene as already described in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Finally, level of Mcl-1 expression is related to disease severity, the highest values being correlated with the shortest event-free survival (p=.01). In conclusion, Mcl-1 which has been shown to be essential for the survival of human myeloma cells in vitro is overexpressed in vivo in MM and correlates with disease severity. Mcl-1 represents a major therapeutical target in MM.

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Upregulation of MMP-2 & 9 by Co-Culture of Human Myeloma Cell Lines and Endothelial Cells May Be Responsible for Protection Against Cytotoxic Drugs.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.5080.5080 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 5080-5080

Author(s):

Shankaranarayana Paneesha ◽

Raghu Adya ◽

Hemali Khanji ◽

Ed Leung ◽

C. Vijayasekar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Endothelial Cells ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Human Myeloma Cell

Abstract Multiple myeloma is a clonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by the proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Inspite of good initial response, it is associated with universal relapse. We hypothesise this is due to sanctuary provided to myeloma cells by the endothelium. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are shown play a role in cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis and bone degradation. We show here the protection offered by endothelial cells to human myeloma cell lines in in-vitro co-culture with upregulation of MMP-2 & 9 and the role of GM6001 MMP inhibitor (Ilomastat) in overcoming this protection. Human myeloma cell lines (H929, RPMI 8226, U266 & JJN3) with or without endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells and EaHy 926 cell line) in-vitro co-culture were treated with melphalan, dexamethasone, arsenic trioxide and Ilomastat. Cytotoxicity/proliferation were assessed by the alamarBlue™ assay (Serotec) and validated by Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection Kit (Calbiochem) and BrDU proliferation assay (BD Pharmingen™). Gelatin Zymography was used to demonstrate activity of MMP-2 & 9 in the supernatant. MMP-2 and 9 mRNA expression was quantified by Real Time Quantitative PCR (ROCHE). Co-culture of human myeloma cell lines with endothelial cells lead to increase in the proliferation of myeloma cell lines and also protected them from the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. MMP-2 & 9 activity was upregulated by the co-culture. MMP-2 mRNA expression in human myeloma cell lines increased following 4 hr co-culture. Treatments with Ilomastat lead to the suppression of proliferation in co-culture in a dose dependent manner, associated with a reduction of MMP-2 and 9 activity. Our study shows endothelial cells offer protection to human myeloma cell lines in the presence of cytotoxic agents. This may result in the sanctuary of myeloma cells in bone marrow leading to ultimate relapse of disease. Our study also demonstrates the upregulation of MMP-2 and 9 by co-culture and increased cytotoxicity achieved by the inhibition of MMPs. Further studies are needed to determine the exact role of MMPs in myeloma biology as MMP inhibition may be an interesting therapeutic target and help in averting relapse in multiple myeloma.

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Survival Signals, Growth Cytokines, Immunosuppressive Factors and Their Cellular Perpetrators in the Myeloma Tumor Microenvironment.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1664.1664 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1664-1664

Author(s):

Jayakumar R Nair ◽

Louise M Carlson ◽

Noreen Ersing ◽

Asher Alban Chanan-Khan ◽

Kelvin P. Lee

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Immune Escape ◽

Human Monocyte ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Myeloma Cells

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable neoplasia of terminally differentiated plasma cells in the bone marrow. Essential interactions of MM cells with host bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) induce growth factors essential for MM progression and pathogenesis, as well as induce an immunosuppressive environment that inhibits endogenous and therapeutically-induced immune responses against the MM cells. However, despite their importance, little is known about the identity of these BMSC cells or the molecular basis of their interaction with myeloma cells. A potential MM surface protein that could be involved in these interactions is CD28, based on its known pro-survival role in T cells. Clinical studies have shown that expression of CD28 in multiple myeloma highly correlates (p=0.006) with myeloma disease progression. Moreover, CD28+ MM cells invariably express the CD28 ligand CD86. A survival role for MM-CD28 might involve interactions with cellular partners that express the B7 (CD80/CD86) ligands. Potential candidates would include CD86+ myeloma cells themselves or B7+ dendritic cells (DC) that are known to be closely associated with myeloma cells in the patient bone marrow. When myeloma-myeloma interactions were disrupted by using the high affinity CD80/CD86 blocker CTLA4Ig (Abatacept®), increased sensitivity to arsenic trioxide (ATO) and melphalan (MEL) was observed in all the three MM cell lines U266, RPMI8226 and MM1S. For U266 viability was 93% in media alone, 84% with CTLA4Ig (100 μg/ml) alone, 86% with 2 μM ATO alone and was significantly reduced to 36% with CTLA4Ig + ATO. Similar drops in viability were observed with 25 μM MEL in combination with CTLA4Ig (33% as opposed to 71–74 % with CTLA4Ig or MEL alone). Our data suggests that this does not involve the downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL or Mcl-1, commonly associated with drug resistance in myeloma. In the second part of the study, we demonstrate that myeloma cell lines or primary CD138+ myeloma cells can enhance via direct contact the ability of human monocyte derived immature DC to produce the immunosuppressive tryptophan depleting enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO, as estimated by kynurenine (Kyn) (a tryptophan catabolite) levels in the supernatant) and also the pro-plasma cell survival cytokine IL-6. In co-cultures of IFNg treated immature DCs with either MM cell lines or with primary CD138+ myeloma cells from patient BM aspirates, the activity of IDO was enhanced ~ 2–8 fold (81 mM kyn with U266 and 20–43mM with primary cells) over that observed in control IFNg-treated DCs (9.7 mM Kyn). Western analysis also demonstrated increased IDO expression relative to IFNg activated DC controls. Blocking MM-CD28 with (Fab)2 fragments of anti-hCD28 mAb 9.3 downregulated IDO activity (9.3 mM) close to that of control, demonstrating the involvement of MM-CD28 in these interactions. We also demonstrated a significant up-regulation of the pro-myeloma survival cytokine IL-6 when immature DCs were co-cultured with CD28+ MM1S (90–300 pg/ml), a 4–9 fold increase over that of DC only control (25 – 35 pg/ml). This was further enhanced when immature DCs cultured with IL-10 (+ GM-CSF + IL-4) was used in co-cultures with MM-1S (800 – 1300 pg/ml), or with primary CD138+ myeloma cells from patient bone marrow aspirates (128–1142 pg/ml). In conclusion, our data demonstrates that blocking myeloma-CD28 - myeloma-CD86 “autocrine” interaction can enhance drug cytotoxicity, while interactions with DCs produce the essential growth cytokines IL-6 and immunosuppressive enzyme IDO with potential implications in MM survival and immune escape. Use of clinically approved agents (e.g. Abatacept®) to block myeloma-CD28 binding to its B7 ligands (increase chemotherapeutic efficacy), 1-MT to inhibit IDO and targeting DCs in the microenvironment to disrupt the tumor microenvironment could be viable therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of multiple myeloma.

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A Novel Mouse Model of Multiple Myeloma Representative of Human Disease and Its Use in Preclinical Therapeutic Assessment

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2907.2907 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 2907-2907

Author(s):

Rosemary A Fryer ◽

Timothy J Graham ◽

Emma M Smith ◽

Brian A Walker ◽

Gareth J Morgan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Human Condition ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Hyperintense Signal

Abstract Abstract 2907 In order to aid the pre-clinical development of novel therapeutics for multiple myeloma, an in vivo model which recapitulates the human condition in particular tumor growth patterns and response to treatment is required. An important feature of such a model is the interaction of the myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment as this is known to modulate tumor activity and protect against drug-induced apoptosis. We have developed a model with myeloma restricted to the bone marrow, which proceeds rapidly from initial inoculation to disease progression, and possesses a range of chemo-sensitive markers with which to monitor anti-tumor response. Female NOD/SCID γcnull mice were injected inta-osseously with luciferase-tagged myeloma cell lines. Disease progression was monitored weekly by bioluminescent imaging (BLI) and measurement of paraprotein levels (ELISA). These methods were compared to histological assessment of tumor infiltration and MRI which provided a quantitative measurement of progression. On T2-weighted images tumor was identified as a hyperintense signal enclosed within cortical bone. Tumor burden was quantified from regions of interest drawn on the periphery of the hyperintense signal. Luciferase-tagged cells engrafted by 3 weeks at the injection site and progressed to the femurs, spine and pelvis from week 4. BLI showed a significant increase in radiance from 5.6×105 to 43.0×105p/s/cm2/sr between weeks 5 and 7 (p<0.05). Quantification of tumor volume by MRI showed a significant increase from 6.4mm3 to 27.6mm3 between weeks 4 and 8 (p<0.05) and μCT demonstrated lytic disease. Serum levels of Igλ increased from 860ng/ml to 4325ng/ml during this period (p<0.05), which mirrored the changes seen with BLI and MRI. Flow cytometry and histology confirmed the confinement of CD138 positive myeloma cells within the bone. These results indicate successful engraftment of human myeloma cell lines with induction of myeloma in a pattern similar to the human condition. We have adapted this model to study primary patient material. 10 mice were implanted with samples from 3 cases of plasma cell leukemia with complex cytogenetics. 5 of these developed myeloma confined to the bone marrow, 2 with additional plasmacytoma localized at the injection site, over a period of 1–5months. We have characterized the original patient cells with gene expression, SNP based gene mapping and have characterized the nature of the engrafted cells using similar technology. We have also shown the model is suitable for preclinical assessment of anti-myeloma agents using bortezomib and a novel aminopeptidase inhibitor, tosedostat (CHR-2797). Non-treated mice displayed a significant increase in radiance from 16.13×105 to 69.00×105p/s/cm2/sr (p<0.01). In comparison, in the bortezomib and tosedostat treated groups no significant increase in radiance was seen (bortezomib: 5.22×105 to 1.12×105 p/s/cm2/sr; tosedostat: 9.92×105 to 13.78×105p/s/cm2/sr). Paraprotein levels mimicked these changes in BLI. At the end of treatment Igλ levels in control, bortezomib and tosedostat treated mice were 2473.7, 132.5 and 923.0ng/ml, respectively. Igλ levels in both treatment groups were significantly different from control (p<0.001). Average tumor volumes derived from MRI were significantly different in bortezomib (14.7mm3) and tosedostat treated (23.4mm3) groups compared to non-treatment (33.0mm3). The volumes for the bortezomib treated group showed no significant difference from control mice. In addition, there was a decrease in CD138 expression by flow cytometry in bone aspirates from treatment groups compared to control which was mirrored in histological samples. In conclusion using both myeloma cell lines and primary patient cells, we have developed a model which recapitulates human myeloma with secretion of paraprotein, disease confined to the bone marrow, lytic bone lesions and spinal compression. In addition, this model is suitable for assessing the efficacy of novel therapeutics in vivo, using a number of non-invasive tumor markers such as BLI and MRI. Disclosures: Morgan: J&J: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Davies:J&J: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

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Antisense strategy shows that Mcl-1 rather than Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL is an essential survival protein of human myeloma cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v100.1.194 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 100 (1) ◽

pp. 194-199 ◽

Cited By ~ 277

Author(s):

Sophie Derenne ◽

Brett Monia ◽

Nicholas M. Dean ◽

Jennifer K. Taylor ◽

Marie-Josée Rapp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Antisense Oligonucleotide ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Incurable Disease ◽

Induction Of Apoptosis ◽

Induced Apoptosis ◽

Cell Malignancy

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that occurs mainly in bone marrow. As MM cells proliferate slowly, it would seem essential to find means of preventing their growth and accumulation inside bone marrow. The present study used an antisense strategy to elucidate the respective roles of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 proteins in myeloma cell survival. Each antisense oligonucleotide (ASO; Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or Mcl-1 ASO) introduced into human myeloma cell lines by electroporation induced a marked reduction in the level of the corresponding protein. Mcl-1 ASO triggers an important decrease of viability in all myeloma cell lines tested and in 2 primary myeloma cells, whereas neither Bcl-2 nor Bcl-xL ASO affected the viability of myeloma cells. The decrease of cell viability induced by Mcl-1 ASO treatment was associated with an induction of apoptosis that occurred through the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm and the activation of executioner caspase-3. Furthermore, we have shown that interleukin 6 cannot prevent the Mcl-1 ASO-induced apoptosis. Finally, although Bcl-2 ASO treatment alone has no effect, it can sensitize myeloma cell lines to dexamethasone (Dex), whereas Bcl-xL ASO in combination with Dex still had no effect. As MM remains an incurable disease despite intensive chemotherapy, these results suggest that Mcl-1 antisense strategy rather than Bcl-2 antisense strategy could be of considerable importance in the treatment of MM.

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Targeting Glycolysis in Multiple Myeloma: Novel Strategies in the Treatment of Proteasome Inhibitor Resistant in Hypoxic Conditions

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-129818 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 4344-4344

Author(s):

Seiichi Okabe ◽

Yuko Tanaka ◽

Mitsuru Moriyama ◽

Akihiko Gotoh

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Proteasome Inhibitor ◽

Proteasome Inhibitors ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

New Agents ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Hypoxic Conditions ◽

Inhibitor Treatment

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the hematological malignancy and characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The treatment of MM patients has been dramatically changed by new agents such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, however, many patients will relapse even if new agents provide therapeutic advantages. Therefore, a new strategy is still needed to increase MM patient survival. Hypoxia is an important component of the bone marrow microenvironment. Hypoxia may increase myeloma cell survival. Because cells shift primarily to a glycolytic mode for generation of energy in hypoxic conditions, glycolytic activities can be targeted therapeutically in MM patients. The 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) is responsible for maintaining the cellular levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate which is a regulator of glycolysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated whether PFKFB was involved in myeloma cells in hypoxia condition. We also investigated whether PFKFB inhibitors could suppress myeloma cells and enhance the sensitivity of myeloma cells to proteasome inhibition. Results: We first investigated the expression of PFKBP in the myeloma cell lines in hypoxia condition. PFKFB family contains four tissue-specific isoenzymes encoded by four different genes. We found expression of PFKBP3 and PFKBP4 were increased in hypoxia condition. We found gene expression of PFKBP3 and PFKBP4 were involved in myeloma cell lines and myeloma patient samples in hypoxia condition from the public microarray datasets (GSE80140 and GSE80545). In hypoxia condition, expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was increased and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was activated in myeloma cell lines. Expression of PFKBP3 and PFKBP4 were inhibited by HIF1α inhibitor and p38 MAPK inhibitor treatment. In the hypoxia condition, activity of proteasome inhibitors were reduced compared to normoxia condition. We next investigated whether PFKBP3 inhibitor, PFK158 and PFKBP4 inhibitor, 5MPN could inhibit the proliferation of myeloma cells. We found PFK158 and 5MPN treatment inhibited the growth of myeloma cells in a dose dependent manner in hypoxia condition. Combined treatment of myeloma cells with carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN caused more cytotoxicity than each drug alone. Caspase 3/7 activity and cellular cytotoxicity was also increased. We found proteasomal activity was also reduced by carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN treatment. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the most important source of energy for intracellular reactions. Intracellular ATP levels drastically decreased after carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN treatment. Because mitochondria generate ATP and participate in signal transduction and cellular pathology and cell death. The quantitative analysis of JC-1 stained cells changed mitochondrial membrane potential in cell death, which were induced by carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN on myeloma cells. In the hypoxia condition and inhibitor treatment, glycolytic activities (e.g. glucose and lactate) were changed in myeloma cells. Conclusion: The PFKBP3 and PFKBP4 are enhanced in hypoxia condition and involved in proteasome inhibitor sensitivity. Our data also suggested that administration of PFKBP3 and PFKBP4 inhibitors may be a powerful strategy against myeloma cells and enhance cytotoxic effects of proteasome inhibitors in hypoxia condition. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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