Phenotypical alterations induced by glucocorticoids resistance in RPMI 8226 human myeloma cells

Vincent Genty1, Gérard Dine, Jean Dufer

  • 1Institut Biotechnologique de Troyes, 11 rue Marie Curie, 10000 Troyes, France. v.genty.ibt@wanadoo.fr

Leukemia Research
|December 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoid resistance in myeloma cells involves changes in cell surface markers and increased glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). These alterations may enhance cancer cell survival and spread during therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids (GCs) are crucial in treating hematological malignancies.
  • Acquired resistance to GCs is a significant clinical challenge in these cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate phenotypical changes in human myeloma cell sublines resistant to glucocorticoids.
  • To analyze the cytotoxic effects of various GCs and characterize resistant cell phenotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the RPMI8226 human myeloma cell line.
  • Assessed cytotoxic efficiencies of four different glucocorticoids.
  • Isolated and analyzed phenotypes of resistant sublines, including receptor expression and cell surface marker modulation.

Main Results:

  • Methylprednisolone and dexamethasone showed the highest cytotoxicity against RPMI8226 cells.
  • All tested glucocorticoids induced drug resistance.
  • Resistant sublines exhibited increased alpha-isoform glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression.
  • Specific modulations were observed in CD23, CD38, CD44, and CD58 expressions.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid resistance in RPMI8226 myeloma cells is associated with significant phenotypical alterations.
  • These alterations, including GR upregulation and changes in cell surface markers, may contribute to enhanced therapeutic survival and tumor dissemination.

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