Premium
Overexpression of HOXB7 and homeobox genes characterizes multiple myeloma patients lacking the major primary immunoglobulin heavy chain locus translocations
Author(s) -
Agnelli Luca,
Storti Paola,
Todoerti Katia,
Sammarelli Gabriella,
Dalla Palma Benedetta,
Bolzoni Marina,
Rocci Alberto,
Piazza Francesco,
Semenzato Gianpietro,
Palumbo Antonio,
Neri Antonino,
Giuliani Nicola
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.22164
Subject(s) - homeobox , chromosomal translocation , immunoglobulin heavy chain , multiple myeloma , gene , homeobox a1 , hnf1b , antibody , locus (genetics) , genetics , biology , immunology , transcription factor
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.