EZH2 serves as a viable therapeutic target for myeloma-induced osteolytic bone destruction.

Abstract

Myelomatous bone disease is a complication characterized by lytic bone lesions, reduced bone formation, bone pain, and increased fracture risk. Understanding these underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic approaches. Here we show the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in bone lesions induced by myeloma cells. Our research reveals that cytokines produced by myeloma-associated adipocytes activate the expression of EZH2 in myeloma cells. Furthermore, we find that EZH2 forms a transcriptional repression complex with transcription factor AP2α. This complex promotes trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) in the promoter region of the tumor suppressor gene EMP1, resulting in transcriptional silencing. EMP1 silencing leads to increased myeloma cell proliferation and the concomitant secretion of osteolytic cytokines that contribute to bone destruction. Importantly, EZH2 inhibitors effectively treat myeloma-induced osteolytic lesions. Thus, targeting EZH2 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing and managing myeloma bone disease.