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Multiple Myeloma Cell-Derived Exosomes: Implications on Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapeutic
Alessandro Allegra1, Mario Di Gioacchino2,3, Alessandro Tonacci4
1Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological disease that is still not curable. The bone marrow milieu, with cellular and non-cellular elements, participate in the creation of a pro-tumoral environment enhancing growth and survival of MM plasma cells. Exosomes are vesicles oscillating in dimension between 50 nm and 100 nm in size that can be released by various cells and contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of MM. Exosomes enclose proteins, cytokines, lipids, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs able to regulate interactions between MM plasma cells and adjacent cells. Through exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells confer chemoresistance to MM cells, while myeloma cells promote angiogenesis, influence immune response, cause bone lesions, and have an impact on the outcome of MM patients. In this review, we analyze the role played by exosomes in the progression of monoclonal gammopathies and the effects on the proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells, and discuss the possible employment of exosomes as potential targets for the treatment of MM patients.
Insights
Exosomes, small vesicles, play a crucial role in multiple myeloma (MM) progression by creating a pro-tumoral environment. Targeting these exosomes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for this incurable hematological disease.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy.
- The bone marrow microenvironment supports MM plasma cell growth and survival.
- Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles, are implicated in MM pathogenesis and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of exosomes in the progression of monoclonal gammopathies.
- To analyze the impact of exosomes on neoplastic plasma cell proliferation.
- To discuss exosomes as potential therapeutic targets for MM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on exosomes in multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of exosome content (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids) and function.
- Examination of exosome-mediated cell-cell interactions in the bone marrow milieu.
Main Results:
- Exosomes facilitate MM progression by regulating interactions between MM cells and the microenvironment.
- Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes confer chemoresistance to MM cells.
- MM cell-derived exosomes promote angiogenesis, immune evasion, and bone lesions.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes are key mediators in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple myeloma.
- Understanding exosome function provides insights into MM development.
- Targeting exosomes presents a potential novel therapeutic avenue for MM patients.
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