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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Monitoring Dynamic Changes In Mitochondrial Calcium Levels During Apoptosis Using A Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor
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Monitoring Dynamic Changes In Mitochondrial Calcium Levels During Apoptosis Using A Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor

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Activin A induces apoptosis of mouse myeloma cells via the mitochondrial pathway

Yuanyi Zhang1, Yan Qi1, Yang Zhao1

  • 1Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|February 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Activin A significantly reduces multiple myeloma cell viability and triggers apoptosis. This cytokine impacts the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mitochondrial pathway proteins, offering potential new avenues for myeloma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Activin A, a TGF-β superfamily cytokine, is implicated in tumorigenesis.
  • Multiple myeloma involves osteolytic lesions and cachexia, but activin A's role in myeloma cell apoptosis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of activin A on multiple myeloma cell viability and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying activin A-induced apoptosis in myeloma cells.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of mouse myeloma NS-1 cells with activin A.
  • Analysis using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry, and western blot.

Main Results:

  • Activin A suppressed NS-1 cell viability and induced apoptosis.
  • Apoptosis involved upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.
  • Activin A increased cytochrome c and caspase-3 protein expression.

Conclusions:

  • Activin A induces apoptosis in mouse myeloma NS-1 cells through the mitochondrial pathway.
  • These findings offer novel insights into potential therapeutic strategies for multiple myeloma.
Keywords:
activin Aapoptosismitochondrial pathwaymyeloma cells

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