Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Intracellular Phosphoflow Cytometry of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient-Derived Xenotransplants
Published on: June 6, 2025
TRAIL expression up-regulated by interferon-gamma via phosphorylation of STAT1 induces myeloma cell death
Yoshie Miura1, Takayuki Tsujioka, Yasumitsu Nishimura
1Department of Hygiene, Division of Hematology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan.
Background:
Although the cellular and molecular biological effects of interferon (IFN)-alpha have been well-investigated, the effects of IFN-gamma are less understood.
Materials And Methods:
Eleven human myeloma cell lines with various myeloma-specific chromosomal translocations and overexpression of oncogenes were cultured with 1000 U/ml of IFN-gamma. In the KMS-20 cells, which showed growth inhibition due to IFN-gamma, trail expression, status of the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway were analyzed.
Results:
KMS-20 cells showed marked up-regulation of trail, activation of STAT1 and TRAIL hyperproduction induced by IFN-gamma.
Conclusion:
The effects of IFN-gamma on growth inhibition of KMS-20 cells were characterized by activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, particularly STAT1 phosphorylation, enhanced secretion of TRAIL, and auto/paracrine usage of secreted TRAIL to induce apoptotic cell death. From these results, IFN-gamma may be considered one of the drugs to be used in future multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens for myeloma patients.
Insights
Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inhibits myeloma cell growth by activating the JAK/STAT pathway, increasing TRAIL production, and inducing apoptosis. This suggests IFN-gamma
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) effects are well-studied.
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) biological effects are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate IFN-gamma's effects on human myeloma cell lines.
- Characterize the molecular mechanisms of IFN-gamma-induced growth inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Cultured eleven human myeloma cell lines with IFN-gamma.
- Analyzed TRAIL expression and JAK/STAT pathway in KMS-20 cells.
Main Results:
- IFN-gamma induced growth inhibition in KMS-20 cells.
- Observed up-regulation of TRAIL and STAT1 activation.
- IFN-gamma triggered TRAIL hyperproduction.
Conclusions:
- IFN-gamma activates the JAK/STAT pathway, specifically STAT1 phosphorylation.
- Enhanced TRAIL secretion and its auto/paracrine use induce apoptosis.
- IFN-gamma shows potential for future myeloma combination therapies.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

