Overexpression of transcripts originating from the MMSET locus characterizes all t(4;14)(p16;q32)-positive multiple myeloma patients

Blood. 2005 May 15;105(10):4060-9. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-09-3704. Epub 2005 Jan 27.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-lineage malignancy characterized by diverse genetic subtypes and clinical outcomes. The recurrent immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) switch translocation, t(4;14)(p16;q32), is associated with poor outcome, though the mechanism is unclear. Quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for proposed target genes on a panel of myeloma cell lines and purified plasma cells showed that only transcripts originating from the WHSC1/MMSET/NSD2 gene are uniformly dysregulated in all t(4;14)POS patients. The different transcripts detected, multiple myeloma SET domain containing protein (MMSET I), MMSET II, Exon 4a/MMSET III, and response element II binding protein (RE-IIBP), are produced by alternative splicing and alternative transcription initiation events. Translation of the various transcripts, including those from major breakpoint region 4-2 (MB4-2) and MB4-3 breakpoint variants, was confirmed by transient transfection and immunoblotting. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged MMSET I and II, corresponding to proteins expressed in MB4-1 patients, localized to the nucleus but not nucleoli, whereas the MB4-2 and MB4-3 proteins concentrate in nucleoli. Cloning and localization of the Exon 4a/MMSET III splice variant, which contains the protein segment lost in the MB4-2 variant, identified a novel protein domain that prevents nucleolar localization. Kinetic studies using photobleaching suggest that the breakpoint variants are functionally distinct from wild-type proteins. In contrast, RE-IIBP is universally dysregulated and also potentially functional in all t(4;14)POS patients irrespective of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) expression or breakpoint type.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4 / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Survival Rate
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*
  • Translocation, Genetic / genetics*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • NSD2 protein, human