[2-methoxyestradiol disrupts aggresomes induction by bortezomib and potentiates apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells.].

Objective: To investigate the synergistic anti-multiple myeloma (MM) effect of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME2) and bortezomib, and explore the relationship between this effect and blockade of aggresomes formation by 2-ME2.

Methods: Four MM cell lines RPMI-8226, NCI-H929, U266 and SKO-007 were used for study. Immunoflourescent anti-ubiquitin and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to examine aggresome-positive cells and apoptotic cells, respectively.

[Myeloma stem/progenitor cells as new targets for therapy of multiple myeloma--review].

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a population of functionally heterogeneous cells, in which identifying the target cells causing molecular lesion is a fundamental issue. The resultant tumor stem/progenitor cells comprise only a minor portion of the myeloma cells, which give rise through differentiation to more committed progenitors as well as differentiated blasts that constitute the bulk of the tumor. Although they are rare as compared with fully differentiated plasma cells, MM stem/progenitor cells are likely responsible for the maintenance and progression of disease through the production of new tumor cells.