Abnormal repression of SHP-1, SHP-2 and SOCS-1 transcription sustains the activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway and the progression of the disease in multiple myeloma.

Sustained activation of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway is classically described in Multiple Myeloma (MM). One explanation could be the silencing of the JAK/STAT suppressor genes, through the hypermethylation of SHP-1 and SOCS-1, previously demonstrated in MM cell lines or in whole bone marrow aspirates. The link between such suppressor gene silencing and the degree of bone marrow invasion or the treatment response has not been evaluated in depth.

[Does multiple myeloma response to induction therapy depend on plasma cell IL6 receptor gene expression?].

Background: Interleukine 6 (IL-6) is the most important cytokine involved in malignant plasma cells growth and survival.

Aim: To analyse bone marrow plasma cells IL6 receptor gene expression in both multiple myeloma patients at diagnosis and healthy bone marrow donors.

Methods: Clinical and biological patients' features and responses to Dexamethasone-Thalidomide induction therapy were gathered.