Utilizing BMP-2 muteins for treatment of multiple myeloma

PLoS One. 2017 May 10;12(5):e0174884. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174884. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents a haematological cancer characterized by the pathological hyper proliferation of antibody-producing B-lymphocytes. Patients typically suffer from kidney malfunction and skeletal disorders. In the context of MM, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) member Activin A was recently identified as a promoter of both accompanying symptoms. Because studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2-mediated activities are counteracted by Activin A, we analysed whether BMP2, which also binds to the Activin A receptors ActRII and ActRIIB but activates the alternative SMAD-1/5/8 pathway, can be used to antagonize Activin A activities, such as in the context of MM. Therefore three BMP2 derivatives were generated with modified binding activities for the type II (ActRIIB) and/or type I receptor (BMPRIA) showing either increased or decreased BMP2 activity. In the context of MM these BMP2 muteins show two functionalities since they act as a) an anti-proliferative/apoptotic agent against neoplastic B-cells, b) as a bone-formation promoting growth factor. The molecular basis of both activities was shown in two different cellular models to clearly rely on the properties of the investigated BMP2 muteins to compete for the binding of Activin A to the Activin type II receptors. The experimental outcome suggests new therapeutic strategies using BMP2 variants in the treatment of MM-related pathologies.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • BMP2 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (KFO 216) and the University of Wuerzburg (funding program Open Access Publishing).