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Function of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in multiple myeloma
Xiaorong Zhu1, Jie Yu2, Mingqiang Hua3
1Department of Hematology, Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, People's Republic of China.
Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|September 13, 2024
Summary
Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in multiple myeloma cells promotes drug resistance. This pathway inhibits myeloma cell apoptosis induced by common treatments like dexamethasone and bortezomib.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) leads to disease relapse and progression.
- The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in inflammatory responses and cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in multiple myeloma cells.
- To determine the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome activation on myeloma cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to assess the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, pro-IL-1β, cleaved IL-1β, caspase-1).
- ELISA measured IL-1β and IL-18 levels in cell supernatants.
- Apoptosis assays evaluated the impact of NLRP3 inflammasome activation on myeloma cell death.
Main Results:
- NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, cleaved IL-1β, caspase-1, IL-1β mRNA) were significantly upregulated in activated multiple myeloma cells (BMMCs and KM3).
- Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome reduced the early apoptosis rate of multiple myeloma cells treated with dexamethasone and bortezomib.
Conclusions:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) effectively activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in multiple myeloma cells.
- Activated NLRP3 inflammasome confers resistance to apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells treated with dexamethasone and bortezomib, suggesting a role in therapeutic failure.
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