Overexpression of HOXB7 and homeobox genes characterizes multiple myeloma patients lacking the major primary immunoglobulin heavy chain locus translocations.

Abstract

Homeobox (HOX) gene transcription factors are frequently deregulated in hematologic malignancies and involved in leukemogenic transformation [1]. Moreover, their overexpression has been associated with tumoral-induced neoangiogenesis in solid cancer [2]. The expression and the role of these genes have not yet been completely elucidated in multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, we reported that a small fraction of MM patients shows a HOXB7 overexpression as compared with normal samples and that HOXB7 expression correlates with bone marrow angiogenesis and the production of the proangiogenic factors by MM cells [3]. Other authors previously reported that HOXA cluster genes are expressed in a small fraction of MM patients [4]. Herein, we extended our previous evidences with the evaluation of the expression level of HOXB7 and the other gene family members in a large number of primary MM cells in relationship with the different molecular subgroups of MM and the presence of specific chromosome translocations. We found that HOXB7 and other genes of HOX family have a preferential distribution based on the characteristics of molecular MM subtypes based on the translocations/cyclins (TC) classification, suggesting a potential relationship between HOX genes expression, angiogenesis, and molecular features of MM patients.

• Authors: Luca Agnelli, Paola Storti, Katia Todoerti, Gabriella Sammarelli, Benedetta Dalla Palma, Marina Bolzoni, Alberto Rocci, Francesco Piazza, Gianpietro Semenzato, Antonio Palumbo, Antonino Neri, Nicola Giuliani
• Journal: American journal of hematology (Am J Hematol) Vol. 86 Issue 12 Pg. E64-6 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1096-8652 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21953534 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• HOXB7 protein, human
• Homeodomain Proteins
• Neoplasm Proteins

Topics

• Aged
• Bone Marrow (blood supply)
• Cohort Studies
• Databases, Factual
• Gene Expression Profiling
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Genes, Homeobox
• Genes, Neoplasm
• Homeodomain Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Humans
• In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
• Middle Aged
• Multigene Family
• Multiple Myeloma (genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• Neoplasm Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Neovascularization, Pathologic
• Plasma Cells (metabolism, pathology)
• Tumor Cells, Cultured