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Published on: October 28, 2019
Reovirus modulates autophagy during oncolysis of multiple myeloma
Chandini M Thirukkumaran1, Zhong Qiao Shi, Joanne Luider
1Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell malignancy that accounts for 10-15% of newly diagnosed hematological cancers. Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of MM the disease still remains incurable. The oncolytic potential of reovirus has previously been demonstrated by others and us and is currently in phase III clinical trials for solid tumors. In addition a phase I clinical trial has recently been initiated for MM. Despite the clinical activity, the mechanism(s) of cell death caused by reovirus in MM is yet not yet well elucidated. A comprehensive understanding of reovirus-mediated histology-specific cell death mechanisms is imperative if this therapeutic is to become a standard of care for patients. Previously we have shown that reovirus-mediated cell death of breast and prostate cancer is orchestrated via apoptosis. The present study demonstrates for the first time that in addition to inducing apoptosis reovirus also upregulates autophagy during oncolysis of MM.
Insights
Reovirus therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) induces apoptosis and upregulates autophagy. Understanding these cell death mechanisms is crucial for advancing reovirus as a standard MM treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological cancer.
- Reovirus shows oncolytic potential and is in clinical trials for solid tumors and MM.
- The precise mechanisms of reovirus-induced cell death in MM are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of reovirus-mediated cell death in multiple myeloma.
- To investigate whether reovirus induces apoptosis and/or autophagy in MM cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using multiple myeloma cell lines.
- Analysis of cell death pathways, including apoptosis and autophagy, following reovirus infection.
Main Results:
- Reovirus infection of MM cells induces apoptosis.
- Reovirus infection upregulates autophagy in MM cells.
- This study is the first to demonstrate dual induction of apoptosis and autophagy by reovirus in MM.
Conclusions:
- Reovirus utilizes both apoptosis and autophagy to mediate oncolysis in multiple myeloma.
- Understanding these pathways is essential for optimizing reovirus-based therapies for MM.
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