Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) represent a crucial component of MM microenvironment supporting its progression and proliferation. Alterations in BMMSC of MM (MM-BMMSC) have become an important research focus. In this study, we analyzed MM-BMMSC and their modification through interaction with plasma cells in 128 MM patients. MM-BMMSC displayed a senescence-like state that was accompanied by an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, a reduced number of colony-forming units, an accumulation of cells in S phase of the cell cycle, and the overexpression of microRNAs (miR-16, miR-223, miR-485-5p, and miR-519d) and p21. MM-BMMSC showed a reduced expression of mitochondrial stress response protein SIRT3 and an increased mitochondrial DNA mass that led to a higher amount of reactive oxygen species compared to healthy donor BMMSC. The interaction between MM cells and MM-BMMSC is a complex mechanism that relies on multiple interacting signaling pathways. Observed aberrations in MM-BMMSC should be confirmed in an in vivo model in order to clarify the importance for the pathogenesis of MM. Eventually, the result of MM therapy could be improved by understanding the interaction between MM cells and MM-BMSCs.
Part of the book: Stromal Cells