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CBX7 regulates chemotherapy-induced senescence-like growth arrest in multiple myeloma via the ERK/STAT3/PIM1 axis
Yangyang Ding1,2,3, Zelin Liu1,2, Ya Liao1,2
1Department of Hematology/Hematological Lab, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China.
Background:
Chemotherapy incorporating the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) has improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM); however, resistance to chemotherapy and disease relapse remain significant challenges, closely associated with cellular senescence. This study investigated the key drivers of myeloma cell senescence and its role in MM progression.
Methods:
Flow cytometry assessed senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity in myeloma cells from bone marrow samples of MM patients. BTZ was used to establish cell senescence model. RNA-seq identified key genes regulating myeloma cell senescence, which were verified by qPCR. After CBX7 knockdown and overexpression, SA-β-gal staining, CCK-8 assay, cell cycle assay, and colony formation assay were performed to investigate its effects on senescence. RNA-seq further identified downstream target genes and pathways, and small interfering RNA and ERK inhibitor were used to explore their effects. A xenograft mouse model was used to validate CBX7's effect on myeloma cell senescence.
Results:
Our results demonstrated that BTZ-based chemotherapy induces senescence in myeloma cells, with SA-β-gal activity linked to malignant proliferation. CBX7 was identified as a critical regulator of cellular senescence in myeloma cells. Elevated CBX7 levels were observed in newly diagnosed MM, decreased during remission, and increased again at relapse. CBX7 levels positively correlated with blast counts, creatinine, and β2-microglobulin levels, and negatively correlated with SA-β-gal activity. Functionally, CBX7 knockdown promoted BTZ-induced myeloma cell senescence and senescence-like growth arrest, whereas CBX7 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, CBX7 regulates senescence-like growth arrest in myeloma cells via the ERK/STAT3/MIX1 axis. Silencing PIM1 or the ERK inhibitor U0126 mitigated CBX7-mediated myeloma cell senescence and enhanced the inhibitory effects of BTZ on cell viability and clone formation. In vivo, CBX7 knockdown enhanced BTZ-inhibited xenograft tumor growth.
Conclusion:
CBX7 is a pivotal target for regulating cellular senescence in myeloma cells, operating through a novel CBX7/ERK/PIM1 regulatory axis. Targeting CBX7 and its downstream pathways may augment the efficacy of standard chemotherapy.
Insights
Cellular senescence drives multiple myeloma (MM) progression and relapse. Targeting CBX7, a key regulator of senescence, and its ERK/PIM1 pathway may enhance bortezomib chemotherapy efficacy in MM patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Chemotherapy resistance and relapse in multiple myeloma (MM) are linked to cellular senescence.
- Bortezomib (BTZ) is a proteasome inhibitor used in MM treatment.
- Understanding myeloma cell senescence drivers is crucial for improving MM outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the key drivers of myeloma cell senescence.
- To elucidate the role of cellular senescence in MM progression.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry to assess senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify key senescence-regulating genes.
- CBX7 knockdown and overexpression studies to evaluate its functional role.
- Xenograft mouse models to validate in vivo effects.
Main Results:
- Bortezomib (BTZ) induces myeloma cell senescence, with SA-β-gal activity correlated with proliferation.
- CBX7 is a critical regulator of myeloma cell senescence, with levels fluctuating during disease course.
- CBX7 knockdown promotes BTZ-induced senescence and growth arrest, while overexpression inhibits it.
- CBX7 regulates senescence via the ERK/STAT3/MIX1 axis; targeting this pathway enhances BTZ efficacy.
Conclusions:
- CBX7 is a pivotal regulator of cellular senescence in multiple myeloma.
- A novel CBX7/ERK/PIM1 regulatory axis controls myeloma cell senescence.
- Targeting CBX7 and its downstream pathways offers a strategy to augment standard chemotherapy efficacy in MM.
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