Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Diagnosis, Prediction and Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the world and accounts for 15% of primary hemocytopathies, with an ever-increasing number of new cases. It is asymptomatic in 30% of instances; hence, the determination of highly sensitive and specific markers is necessary to make a proper diagnosis. In the last 20 years, miRNAs, involved in regulating the expression of genes responsible for cell proliferation and differentiation, including tumor cells, have been identified as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. The main aim of the following review was to outline the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of MM, considering their role in the pathogenesis of the disease and identifying their target genes and pathways. For this purpose, publications dating from 2013–2023 have been reviewed. Based on the available data, it is concluded that non-coding RNAs including miRNAs could be potential markers in MM. Furthermore, they may serve as therapeutic targets for certain drugs.

Circulating miR-16 and miR-21 Levels in Multiple Myeloma: Prognostic Significance of Survival and Response to Lenalidomide Treatment

“…Downregulation of miR-16 enhances cell proliferation through AKT3 kinase (RAC-gamma serine/threonine-protein kinase), MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinases, ribosomal protein S6, and NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) activator MAP3KIP3 inhibition, and influences angiogenesis and apoptosis by increasing the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), BCL2 (B cell Lymphoma 2) proteins, Cyclin D1 (CCND1) , WNT3A (Wnt family member 3A), and MCL1 (induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation) genes [ 13 ]. In MM, miRNAs-15a and -16 may disable disease progression by inhibiting various kinase pathways [ 4 ].…”

“…MiR-16 was initially associated with hematological neoplasms, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia [ 10 ] and was among the first miRNAs examined in MM as part of Al Masri et al’s study on miRNA expression analysis in MM [ 11 , 12 ]. A few studies in MM bone marrow have examined miR-16, showing downregulation and suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker [ 13 ].…”