The mechanistic role of epigenetic in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B cell malignancy characterized by accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Pathogenesis of MM involves a complex pattern of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations. In addition, epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications may play a role in this disease by affecting the expression of different genes. This article reviews recent findings on the role of epigenetic alterations in MM pathogenesis, which affect the expression of cell cycle regulatory molecules, apoptosis, DNA repair system, CD markers, cell signaling pathways as well as tumor suppressor miRNAs. Given these results, it can be stated that these epigenetic changes play an important role in the initiation and progression of MM. Therefore, understanding the impact of epigenetics in MM pathogenesis in each stage of disease progression can help develop therapeutic targets to increase survival and reduce drug resistance.