Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm accounting for 10% of hematological malignancies. It is characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow resulting in monoclonal M-protein production. This ultimately results in end organ damage presenting as: C (Hypercalcemia), R (Renal failure), A (Anemia), B (bone lesions).
MM is characterized by its complex genetic landscape, that tends to change over time owing to additional events, as somatic mutations, epigenetic and chromosomal copy-number changes.
The role of micro-RNAs, small non-coding RNAs, in myelomagenesis has been receiving increasing attention. They are found to manipulate the cross talk between myeloma cells and bone marrow micro-environment and thereby playing their role.
Studies have shown that miR-181a may play a role in lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation into B cells. At the same time, it has been suggested that the expression of miR-181a is increased in MM. The complex relationship between miR-181a and the various clinical and pathological factors of MM disease is yet to be clarified.