Frequent functional activation of RAS signalling not explained by RAS/RAF mutations in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 10;8(1):13522. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31820-9.

Abstract

RAS mutations are frequent in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) but functional study in primary samples is scanty. Herein, in primary myeloma plasma cells of 17 suspected RRMM, functional activation of RAS signalling was studied by Western blot of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (phospho-ERK1/2). Moreover, activating mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and ALK were studied by PCR and bidirectional direct sequencing. Furthermore, methylation of negative RAS signalling regulator genes, RASSF1A and RASD1, were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR. As evidenced by phospho-ERK1/2 over-expression, functional RAS activation was detected in 12 (75.0%) RRMM. Of patients with functional RAS activation, sequencing data showed only seven (58.3%) patients with one each had NRAS Q61H, NRAS Q61K, KRAS G12D, KRAS G12V, KRAS G13D, KRAS Q61P, or BRAF V600E mutation, whereas five (41.7%) patients had no RAS/RAF mutation. Conversely, patients without functional RAS activation had no RAS/RAF mutation. Moreover, none of the patients with functional RAS activation had ALK mutations, or methylation of RASSF1A and RASD1. Collectively, functional activation of RAS signalling was present in majority of RRMM but only about half (58.3%) accountable by RAS/RAF mutations. If verified in larger studies, clinical investigations of MEK inhibitors are warranted regardless of RAS/RAF mutations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology*
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • raf Kinases / genetics*
  • ras Proteins / genetics
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • raf Kinases
  • ras Proteins