Epigenetic regulation of gene expression in progression of multiple myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex and heterogeneous malignancy of plasma cells that has two precursor states: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). Although Ig translocations, copy number alterations and somatic mutations are known genomic events involved in MM progression; precursor patients with similar genomic profiles often display differences in their progression rates to MM. Variations in disease progression rate and response to the treatments highlight the potential contribution of epigenetic events in onset, progression and heterogeneity of MM.