Objective: To investigate the TLR4 signaling in multiple myeloma cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Methods: TLR4 gene transcription and protein expression were detected by RT-PCR and PE flow cytometry staining; the cells proliferation were detected by MTT assay; doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of cells was detected by AnnexinV-PI double staining flow cytometry.
Result: TLR4 gene transcription and protein expression was detected in the myeloma cell lines. Under the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation, MM1-s cells TLR4 positive proliferation significantly increased (P<0.05), but not found in U266 cells TLR4 negative; MM1-s cells showed the resistance to doxorubisin-induced apoptosis, but LPS did not protect doxorubicin-induced U266 cell apoptosis.
Conclusion: TLR4 signaling may play an important role both in multiple myeloma proliferation and survival.