Quick detection of overexpressed genes caused by myeloma-specific chromosomal translocations using multiplex RT-PCR

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of the plasmocyte and is associated with various symptoms such as anemia, immunodeficiency, bone lesions and kidney insufficiency. Although prognosis was poor until some years ago, recent advances that introduced newer molecular targeting agents such as bortezomib and thalidomide have resulted in a better prognosis for MM. However, clinical manifestations and the relationship between cellular and molecular findings, including chromosomal translocation and the related overexpression of oncogenes such as CCND1 (cyclin D1) and FGFR3 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 3), remain unclear. It has been reported that a specific translocation may influence the prognosis of MM. Although translocations and overexpressed genes should be examined in ordinary clinical investigations, limited definitive assays for translocation involve the use of FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) or SKY (special karyotypic) methods. We therefore, attempted to establish a quick detection method for major translocated genes such as FGFR3, CCND1, CCND3 and MAF using multiplex RT-PCR (MP-RT-PCR). MP-RT-PCR can be performed within several to 24 h after bone marrow samples are taken. Two of 21 bone marrow blood samples from MM patients were analyzed using MP-RT-PCR and double-color FISH, and the results of both methods were compatible. Future utilization and elaboration of this method may help our understanding of the cell biology and clinical features of MM.