Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 15
The Role of Centrosomes
in Multiple Myeloma
Benedict Yan and Wee-Joo Chng
Abstract Multiple Myeloma (MM), a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells,
displays complex genetic aberrations. This genetic complexity is due in part to
centrosomal abnormalities, which are well-documented in MM. The exact
mechanisms by which such abnormalities develop in MM are still not fully
characterized, although various pathways and molecules, particularly the G1
cyclin-CDK/Rb pathway, receptor of hyalorunan-mediated motility, and Aurora-A
molecules, have been implicated. The identification of centrosome abnormalities
in MM patients is of potential clinical utility, both in the prognostic and thera-
peutic setting. A high centrosome index is associated with poorer prognosis in MM
patients, and predicts for greater in vitro sensitivity of myeloma cell lines to
certain therapeutics such as Aurora kinase inhibitors. Future studies into the
mechanisms
leading
to
centrosome
abnormalities
in
MM
may
reveal
novel
candidates and strategies for therapeutic intervention.
B. Yan
Department of Pathology, National University Health System, Singapore
W.-J. Chng (
&
)
Department of Haematology and Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of
Singapore, Singapore
e-mail: mdccwj@nus.edu.sg
W.-J. Chng
National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, 1E Lower Kent Ridge
Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore
W.-J. Chng
Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of
Singapore, Singapore
W.-J. Chng
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
