Endoplasmic reticulum stress and oncoviral therapy



 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Activation of the oncogene MYC is a frequent event in multiple myeloma (MM) that contributes to refractory/high-risk disease and is therefore an attractive therapeutic target. We previously demonstrated that a novel reovirus formulation for cancer therapy called Reolysin is a promising new agent for patients with MM as it exhibits significant activity in cell lines, primary patient cells, and mouse models of the disease. However, the mechanisms that mediate reovirus sensitivity in MM cells are not well understood. Our preliminary data indicate that Reolysin may be particularly effective for MM patients with high MYC activity and/or those that are refractory to bortezomib as these cells exhibit hypersensitivity to Reolysin-induced cell death. We hypothesize that constitutive MYC activity renders refractory/high-risk MM cells uniquely sensitive to Reolysin through an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated mechanism. In Aim 1, we will determine the role of MYC as a regulator of Reolysin sensitivity. A potential link between MYC, PKR activity, and ER stress will be evaluated. In Aim 2, we will investigate the mechanisms by which the evolution of acquired bortezomib resistance confers increased sensitivity to Reolysin. Finally, in Aim 3 we will determine the role of ER stress-induced autophagy as a regulator of Reolysin-mediated cell death. At the conclusion of these studies, we will have significantly expanded our knowledge regarding the mechanisms that promote improved reovirus efficacy in relapsed/high- risk MM cells and will have generated critical new information required to optimally utilize Reolysin for the treatment of advanced and drug-refractory MM.