Экспрессия генов семейства WNT у больных множественной миеломой с различным ответом на противоопухолевую терапию

Aim. To compare the expression levels of the WNT family genes in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) of the bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic niche in multiple myeloma (MM) patients vs. healthy donors. Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 12 MM patients aged 49–71 years (the median age 61 years) after standard induction bortezomib therapy. The treatment efficacy was assessed in accordance with the criteria of International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). Patients were stratified in groups with complete and partial response (CPR; group 1, n = 9) and no response (group 2, n = 3). Besides, a group of primary untreated patients was formed (n = 2). The control group included healthy donors of BM (n = 3). The levels of the WNT and CTNNB1 gene expression were assessed by real-time PCR on cDNA isolated from MSC. Results. In the group of 2 primary patients, two genes (WNT2B and WNT9B) considerably differed in the degree of expression. In non-responders (n = 3), the WNT2B expression could not be determined, whereas the WNT15 expression appeared to be increased. In group CPR (n = 9), mRNA level of the WNT5A gene increased after therapy, whereas the WNT3A gene expression returned to the normal level. The WNT7B gene transcription level did not differ in the control and comparison groups. In group CPR, a significant expression increase in the β-catenin-coding CTNNB1 gene was detected. Conclusion. The differences identified in the expression of the WNT2B, WNT9B, and CTNNB1 genes suggest the possibility of their use as prognostic molecular markers in MM.