Myeloma cell adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells confers drug resistance by microRNA-21 up-regulation

Leuk Lymphoma. 2011 Oct;52(10):1991-8. doi: 10.3109/10428194.2011.591004. Epub 2011 Jun 30.

Abstract

The bone marrow microenvironment plays a role in myeloma cell proliferation and adhesion-mediated drug resistance. In this study, we investigated microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression changes in myeloma cells that adhered to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In addition, we studied the synergistic effect of miR-21 inhibition with dexamethasone (Dex), doxorubicin (Dox), or bortezomib (Bort) on myeloma cell survival. We found that up-regulation of miR-21 expression was partially driven by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling via myeloma cell adhesion to BMSCs. We also confirmed that RhoB is a miR-21 regulation target gene. Moreover, miR-21 inhibition combined with cytotoxic drug Dex or Dox inhibited myeloma cell survival more effectively than either treatment alone. These results suggest that the regulatory mechanisms of miR-21 expression may be a promising target for fine-tuning anti-myeloma therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Boronic Acids / pharmacology
  • Bortezomib
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology*
  • Pyrazines / pharmacology
  • Stromal Cells / pathology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Boronic Acids
  • MIRN21 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone
  • Doxorubicin