Kassambara A, Hose D, Moreaux J, Rème T, Torrent J, Rossi JF, Goldschmidt H, Klein B. Identification of pluripotent and adult stem cell genes unrelated to cell cycle and associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma. PLOS ONE. 2012. Download the PDF
Summary of the Study
Traditional gene expression–based prognostic scores in cancer often rely on cell cycle–related genes. This study identifies a novel stem cell–associated transcriptional signature in multiple myeloma (MM) that is independent of cell cycle status and significantly predicts patient outcomes.
Key findings
Identified 50 cell cycle–independent genes overexpressed in MM cells vs. normal plasma and plasmablast cells
37 of the 50 genes were shared with human pluripotent, hematopoietic, or mesenchymal stem cells
These genes were used to develop the Stem Cell Score (SCscore), which was:
- Validated in two independent MM cohorts (n = 206 and n = 345)
- Independent of standard clinical scores and existing GEP-based models
The SCscore stratified patients into distinct prognostic groups, suggesting stem cell–like features contribute to myeloma aggressiveness
In this study, Alboukadel Kassambara was the first author, performing the data analysis and interpretation. He developed the Stem Cell Score (SCscore), conducted the survival modeling, and wrote the manuscript, revealing a stem-like prognostic signature independent of cell cycle activity in multiple myeloma.
Citation
Publication: In PLOS ONE
Date: July 31, 2012
Type: Journal Article
PDF: Download the PDF
Scientific Contributions
Here are more scientific abstracts authored or co-authored by Alboukadel Kassambara. These contributions span computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, machine learning, and multi-omics, with a focus on immuno-oncology and translational research.
