Levels of Osteopontin (SPP1), Osteonectin (SPARC) and Biglycan (BGN) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Bone Marrow Biopsies Post-Induction Therapy Define the Status of Osteogenic Niche and Show Inverse Correlation with Therapeutic Response

Background: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has a five-year survival rate of 25% and its high mortality is linked to poor response to treatment and relapse. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling relapse and AML progression is limited. Animal models indicate that AML cells significantly modulate their bone marrow microenvironment inducing gradual loss of endosteal and vascular niches, both playing critical roles in support and maintenance of normal hematopoiesis. The goal of this study was to determine microenvironmental factors driving the gradual retraction of endosteal and vascular niches directly in the AML core bone marrow biopsies, and assess the treatment effect on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells.