Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Multiple myeloma (MM), also known as simply myeloma and plasma cell myeloma, is a complex hematological malignancy. Significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of MM and identifying potential therapeutic targets. The continuous development of traditional therapies, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies provides more possibilities for developing MM therapies. Our company is committed to driving innovation and providing comprehensive MM drug and therapy development services to the global pharmaceutical industry.
What is Multiple Myeloma (MM)?
Multiple myeloma (MM) is rare, with an incidence of approximately 160,000 and a mortality of 106,000 worldwide. MM is a hematological malignancy characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies to help fight infections. In MM, these plasma cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and impairing normal immune function.
The exact cause of MM is not fully understood, but several factors have been implicated, including genetic abnormalities, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and a compromised immune system. MM is more common in older adults and usually presents with symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, anemia, kidney dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma (MM)
The pathogenesis of MM involves complex molecular and cellular interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment. Genetic alterations, such as chromosomal translocations and mutations, contribute to transforming normal plasma cells into malignant myeloma cells. One key pathway implicated in MM pathogenesis is the dysregulation of NF-κB signaling. NF-κB is a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, and immune responses. In MM, abnormal activation of NF-κB promotes cell survival and resistance to apoptosis.
Additionally, the interaction between the bone marrow microenvironment and myeloma cells plays a crucial role in MM progression. The bone marrow provides a supportive niche for myeloma cells, promoting their survival, growth, and drug resistance. The interaction between myeloma cells and stromal cells, osteoclasts, and immune cells within the bone marrow microenvironment leads to the secretion of cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines that further enhance myeloma cell survival and proliferation.
Fig.1 Role of PDIA1 in MM. (Dima, Danai, et al., 2022)Targets of MM Therapy Development
Understanding the molecular targets involved in MM has paved the way for the development of novel therapies. Several key targets have been identified, including:
- Proteasome: The proteasome is responsible for degrading proteins in the cell. In MM, proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, disrupt protein homeostasis and induce cell death.
- CD38: CD38 is a surface protein highly expressed in myeloma cells. Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38, such as daratumumab, have shown promising results in clinical trials by promoting immune-mediated cell death.
- BCMA: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a protein expressed on the surface of myeloma cells. BCMA-targeted therapies, including CAR-T cell therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in relapsed/refractory MM.
- PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: This pathway regulates cell growth, survival, and metabolism. Inhibitors targeting various components of this pathway, such as PI3K inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors, are being investigated as potential therapeutic options.
Our Services
At our company, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of multiple myeloma (MM) diagnostics and therapy development services. With our extensive expertise in the field of biology and our commitment to scientific excellence, we offer a range of advantages that set us apart from the competition. We can assist you in identifying and validating potential therapeutic targets, screening and evaluating drug candidates, and optimizing therapy development strategies.
Therapy Development Platforms
With an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of MM and the complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment, we provide you with advanced animal models that highly simulate the disease for pharmacokinetics study and drug safety evaluation. Our advanced models are valuable tools for studying MM and testing the effectiveness and safety of new therapies.
Animal Models of MM
- 5TMM-derived C57BL/KaLwRij models
- MYC-derived MM models
- pEμXBP-1 transgenic models
- IL-6 transgenic models
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Dima, Danai, et al. "Multiple myeloma therapy: emerging trends and challenges." Cancers 14.17 (2022): 4082.
- Fairfield, Heather, et al. "Multiple myeloma in the marrow: pathogenesis and treatments." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1364.1 (2016): 32-51.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.