Stromal Support of Metabolic Function through Mitochondrial Transfer in Multiple Myeloma

Marlein and colleagues demonstrate in multiple myeloma, bone marrow stromal cells transfer mitochondria to myeloma cells to increase cellular respiration, resulting in increased proliferation. The intercellular transfer occurs through the formation of tunneling nanotubes that connect the myeloma cell to the stromal cell and is dependent on surface CD38 expression on myeloma cells. CD38 is an important therapeutic target in myeloma, therefore, regulation of myeloma metabolism may play a role in the activity of this therapeutic approach. The study reinforces the importance of intercellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment and sheds new light on the control of metabolism in myeloma.