A Therapeutic Target for Multiple Myeloma-Related Bone Disease

Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified integrin α6 as a potential therapeutic target for bone healing in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Using cell lines, primary myeloma cells and murine models, Jing Yang, PhD, associate professor of oncology, investigated the intercellular communication between myeloma cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) mediated by integrin α6. The results of this research study are published in Frontiers in Oncology in 2021. As the second most common blood cancer in the United States, MM is predicted to account for 34,470 new cases in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. MM symptoms include kidney injury, anemia, hypercalcemia as well as osteolytic lesions. Greater than 80% of MM patients experience skeleton-related events, including pathological fracture, severe bone pain, spinal cord compression and hypercalcemia. The pathogenesis of MM-associated bone disease is complex since the bone marrow microenvironment is rife with osteoblasts, osteoclasts and stromal cells engaged in extensive intercellular communication. A precise balance between osteoblastic (bone formation) and osteoclastic (bone resorption) activity maintains a healthy bone structure and prevents diseases such as osteoporosis.