The WWOX gene inhibits the growth of U266 multiple myeloma cells by triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

The role of the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene in multiple types of solid human cancers has been documented extensively. However, the functional role of WWOX in human multiple myeloma has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous WWOX expression on the biological properties of U266 multiple myeloma cells, as well as the possible molecular mechanisms involved. In vitro experiments revealed that exogenous WWOX cDNA transfection resulted in marked growth arrest and the induction of apoptosis in the U266 multiple myeloma cells, accompanied by the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Our data provide evidence that WWOX also plays a role as a tumor suppressor gene in multiple myeloma, possibly by suppressing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis by triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.