[Aberrant micro RNA and epigenetic network are associated with progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma].

In recent years, attention has been drawn to aberrant epigenetics as well as coding gene mutations in cancers. DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and micro RNA (miRNA) are included in the field of epigenetics. miRNAs are small RNAs of only 19-25 bases in length which do not encode protein but do they control gene expression by destroying mRNA or inhibiting translation. In multiple myeloma (MM), several miRNA expressions were markedly decreased, while in contrast their target genes, associated with apoptosis, the cell cycle and DNA methylation, were markedly increased. Negative correlations were found between miRNA and target genes expressions. The miR-34 family in itself was methylated, and expression was epigenetically controlled. miRNA and other epigenetic mechanisms underlie network formation, thought to be associated with MM progression. Thus, examining miRNA of MM is currently an important issue in terms of predicting patient outcomes and developing novel therapies.