RNA-binding protein CIRBP mediates PKM2 intron retention to negatively regulate multiple myeloma progression and macrophage alternative activation

Cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRBP) has garnered attention in cancer research due to its dual role as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. In this study, publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data, MM cell lines, and an in vivo xenograft model are utilized to assess the biological significance of CIRBP in MM.

Analysis reveals frequent communication between MM cells and macrophages, alongside decreased CIRBP expression in patients. Functionally, CIRBP overexpression in MM cells inhibits short- and long-term viability, suppresses proliferation, and reduces tumor burden in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, co-culture experiments confirm that CIRBP-expressing MM cells suppress macrophage chemotaxis and macrophage alternative activation, while CIRBP knockdown has opposite effects.