MYC amplifications in myeloma cell lines: correlation with MYC-inhibitor efficacy

In multiple myeloma, elevated MYC expression is related to disease initiation and progression. We found that in myeloma cell lines, MYC gene amplifications were common and correlated with MYC mRNA and protein. In primary cell samples MYC mRNA levels were also relatively high; however gene copy number alterations were uncommon. Elevated levels of MYC in primary myeloma cells have been reported to arise from complex genetic aberrations and are more common than previously thought. Thus, elevated MYC expression is achieved differently in myeloma cell lines and primary cells. Sensitivity of myeloma cell lines to the MYC inhibitor 10058-F4 correlated with MYC expression, supporting that the activity of 10058-F4 was through specific inhibition of MYC.