Integrative analysis of enrichment and prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes and pathways in multiple myeloma

Abstract Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of cell death caused by excessive iron exposure. The role played by the ferroptosis-related genes and pathways in multiple myeloma (MM) is poorly understood. Here, we show that the ferroptosis-related pathways might be involved in tumorigenesis and are closely correlated with the prognosis of MM. The ferroptosis suppressor genes are progressively enriched with the progression of plasma cell dyscrasias. Furthermore, high expression of ferroptosis suppressor genes is correlated with high International Staging System and Revised-ISS staging of MM, as well as the poor outcomes of poor outcomes in progression-free survival and overall survival . The ferroptosis driver genes and the ferroptosis suppressor genes have the opposite effects on the progression and prognosis of MM. Moreover, we reveal that ferroptosis-related genes are associated with cytogenetic abnormalities in MM. The ferroptosis-related pathways and genes might impact the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in MM patients. A better understanding of the participation of ferroptosis in MM will pave the way for design of new therapies.