Chemokine receptor CCR2 is expressed by human multiple myeloma cells and mediates migration to bone marrow stromal cell-produced monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, -2 and -3
2003

CCR2 and Chemokines in Multiple Myeloma Cell Migration

Sample size: 28 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): I Vande Broek, K Asosingh, K Vanderkerken, N Straetmans, B Van Camp, I Van Riet

Primary Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of chemokine receptor CCR2 and its ligands in the migration of multiple myeloma cells to the bone marrow.

Conclusion

The study found that multiple myeloma cells express CCR2, and that the chemokines MCP-1, -2, and -3 produced by bone marrow stroma act as chemoattractants for these cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Multiple myeloma cells express the chemokine receptor CCR2.
  • MCP-1, -2, and -3 are produced by bone marrow stromal cells.
  • Migration assays showed that these chemokines act as chemoattractants for multiple myeloma cells.
  • CCR2 expression was confirmed in both human multiple myeloma cell lines and primary cells.
  • Blocking CCR2 reduced the migration of multiple myeloma cells to bone marrow conditioned medium.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special protein called CCR2 helps cancer cells called multiple myeloma cells move to the bone marrow, where they can grow.

Methodology

The study used RT-PCR and flow cytometry to analyze CCR2 expression and conducted migration assays with multiple myeloma cell lines and primary cells.

Limitations

The study does not explore the potential involvement of other chemokines in the migration process.

Participant Demographics

Patients aged 41–94 years, mean age 66.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600833

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