Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:33
Identifying Bone Marrow Microenvironmental Populations in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Published on: November 10, 2023
Modulation of the bone marrow microenvironment by acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia-derived large oncosomes
Foruzandeh Samangan1, Theresa Krack2, Fatima Didar Kerman1
1Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Blood Advances
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Leukemia cells release large oncosomes (LO) that reprogram bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) to support therapy-evasive growth. Targeting these LO-mediated communication pathways may offer novel leukemia treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Leukemia cells exploit the bone marrow microenvironment for survival and therapy evasion.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly large oncosomes (LO), are implicated in cancer progression.
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) requires specific microenvironmental support for growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how BCR-ABL1+ B-ALL cells use LO to influence the bone marrow microenvironment.
- To determine the mechanisms by which LO reprogram mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC).
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting LO-mediated communication in B-ALL.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LO released by BCR-ABL1+ B-ALL cells.
- Transcriptome and secretome profiling of MSC co-cultured with LO.
- Assessment of MSC differentiation and metabolic reprogramming.
- Evaluation of LO-educated MSC and derived adipocytes in supporting B-ALL growth.
Main Results:
- BCR-ABL1+ B-ALL derived LO reprogram MSC to a pro-tumorigenic phenotype.
- LO alter MSC expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and fibrinolytic proteins.
- MSC are metabolically reprogrammed and differentiated into adipocytes that support B-ALL growth.
- LO-educated MSC and adipocytes provide distinct support mechanisms for B-ALL cells.
Conclusions:
- Leukemia cell-derived LO are key mediators of bone marrow microenvironment reprogramming.
- Targeting LO-mediated intercellular communication presents a potential strategy for B-ALL adjuvant therapy.
- Understanding these interactions can lead to novel therapeutic approaches for overcoming chemoresistance.
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