Impact of CD44 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (rs 13347) in mobilization of autologous HSCT

Mobilization: of stem cells into peripheral blood is a crucial step in the procedure of autologous stem cell transplantation. Mobilization can be affected by many variables;underlying diseases, prior treatment and age. Many genetic polymorphisms mainly in adhesion molecules are thought to affect mobilization success. The CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule which is highly heterogeneous structurally. Polymorphisms in this molecule may impair HSC lodgment in the bone marrow. The aim of the work: was to assess the impact of CD44 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs13347) on the efficacy of mobilization of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells in a cohort of Egyptian patients treated for lymphoma and multiple myeloma and scheduled for autologous stem cell transplantation. Patients and methods: the study was conducted on 92 patients scheduled for autologous HSC mobilization and transplantation. SNP genotyping was done by 5' nuclease assay on rotor gene. Results: A statistical significant difference was detected between the patients with genotypes (CT + CC) and patients with (TT) genotype regarding the number of apheresis sessions required to gather the target CD34 count (p = 0.006).T allele is implicated in poorer mobilization. Conclusions: CD44 SNPs analysis may be helpful for predicting the poor mobilizers. These patients may benefit from newer modalities like adhesion molecules inhibitors.