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Korsos V, Miller WH. How retinoic acid and arsenic transformed acute promyelocytic leukemia therapy. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:T69-T83. [PMID: 36112505 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with severe coagulopathy leading to rapid morbidity and mortality if left untreated. The definitive diagnosis of APL is made by identifying a balanced reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17. This t(15;17) results in a fusion transcript of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) genes and the expression of a functional PML/RARA protein. Detection of a fused PML/RARA genomic DNA sequence using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or by detection of the PML/RARA fusion transcript via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has revolutionized the diagnosis and monitoring of APL. Once confirmed, APL is cured in over 90% of cases, making it the most curable subtype of acute leukemia today. Patients with low-risk APL are successfully treated using a chemotherapy-free combination of all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide (ATO). In this review, we explore the work that has gone into the modern-day diagnosis and highly successful treatment of this once devastating leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Korsos
- Division of Hematology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wilson H Miller
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
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2
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Abstract
Retinoids function as activating ligands for a class of nuclear receptors that control gene expression programs for a wide range of tissues and organs during embryogenesis and throughout life. Over the years, three sets of observations have spurred interest in the function of retinoids with respect to development and disease of hematopoietic cells. Since the 1920s, epidemiological studies indicated altered hematopoiesis in vitamin A-deficient (VAD) human populations. More recently, the ability of retinoids to affect various aspects of hematopoietic development has been demonstrated in vitro. Finally, it was discovered that the gene encoding a retinoid receptor is a key target for chromosomal translocations that cause acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). More recent investigations using targeted gene disruptions, VAD animal models, and mouse models of leukemia have continued to shed light on the function of the retinoid pathway in blood cells. It is now clear that retinoids are required for normal hematopoiesis during both yolk sac and fetal liver stages of hematopoiesis, while the pathway has at least modulatory functions for bone marrow derived progenitors. Studies of normal development and APL have provided complementary insight into the molecular control of blood cell differentiation. Here we review the evidence for retinoid requirements in hematopoiesis and also summarize current ideas regarding how this pathway is subverted in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Oren
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 501, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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3
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Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), characterized by a translocation between the promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML) on chromosome 15 and the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARalpha) gene on chromosome 17, has become a model for targeted treatment of cancer. Advances in our understanding of the fundamental biology of this disease have led to the development of tools for diagnosis, monitoring of minimal residual disease, and detection of early relapse. Differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid in combination with chemotherapy has significantly improved survival in patients with APL. Moreover, arsenic trioxide, which induces differentiation and apoptosis of APL cells, has become standard treatment for relapsed disease, and its role in the treatment of newly diagnosed APL is under active investigation. The lessons learned from APL have broad applications to other forms of leukemia and to cancer in general, whereby molecularly targeted therapy is directed to specifically defined subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Jurcic
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Mann KK, Padovani AMS, Guo Q, Colosimo AL, Lee HY, Kurie JM, Miller WH. Arsenic trioxide inhibits nuclear receptor function via SEK1/JNK-mediated RXRalpha phosphorylation. J Clin Invest 2005; 115:2924-33. [PMID: 16184197 PMCID: PMC1224295 DOI: 10.1172/jci23628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously published that 2 proven treatments for acute promyelocytic leukemia, As2O3 and retinoic acid, can be antagonistic in vitro. We now report that As2O3 inhibits ligand-induced transcription of the retinoic acid receptor, as well as other nuclear receptors that heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). As2O3 did not inhibit transactivation of the estrogen receptor or the glucocorticoid receptor, which do not heterodimerize with RXRalpha. We further show that As2O3 inhibits expression of several target genes of RXRalpha partners. Phosphorylation of RXRalpha has been reported to inhibit nuclear receptor signaling, and we show by in vivo labeling and phosphoamino acid detection that As2O3 phosphorylated RXRalpha in the N-terminal ABC region exclusively on serine residues. Consistent with our previous data implying a role for JNK in As2O3-induced apoptosis, we show that pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of JNK activation decreased As2O3-induced RXRalpha phosphorylation and blocked the effects of As2O3 on RXRalpha-mediated transcription. A mutational analysis indicated that phosphorylation of a specific serine residue, S32, was primarily responsible for inhibition of RXRalpha-mediated transcription. These data may provide some insight into the rational development of chemotherapeutic combinations involving As2O3 as well as into molecular mechanisms of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis resulting from environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koren K Mann
- Montréal Centre for Experimental Therapeutics in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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6
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Abstract
Studies utilizing experimental animals, epidemiological approaches, cellular models, and clinical trials all provide evidence that retinoic acid and some of its synthetic derivatives (retinoids) are useful pharmacological agents in cancer therapy and prevention. In this chapter, we first review the current knowledge of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and their role in mediating the actions of retinoic acid. We then focus on a discussion of RARalpha and acute promyelocytic leukemia followed by a discussion of the role of RARs, in particular RARbeta expression, in other cancer types. Loss of normal RAR function in the presence of physiological levels of RA (either due to alterations in the protein structure or level of expression) is associated with a variety of different cancers. In some cases treatment with pharmacological doses of RA can be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Robert Soprano
- Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
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7
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Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a translocation between the promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML) on chromosome 15 and the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARalpha) gene on chromosome 17. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of PML-RARalpha messenger RNA can establish the diagnosis of APL, predict response to all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide, detect minimal residual disease, and predict relapse. Quantitative "real-time" RT-PCR techniques may improve residual disease assessment by facilitating more rapid and standardized results. APL provides a useful model in which therapy is targeted to an underlying genetic aberration and treatment is adapted based on monitoring of residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Jurcic
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Davison K, Côté S, Mader S, Miller WH. Glutathione depletion overcomes resistance to arsenic trioxide in arsenic-resistant cell lines. Leukemia 2003; 17:931-40. [PMID: 12750708 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) is an effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but is less effective against other leukemias. Although the response of APL cells to As(2)O(3) has been linked to degradation of the PML/RARalpha fusion oncoprotein, there is evidence that PML/RARalpha expression is not the only mediator of arsenic sensitivity. Indeed, we found that exogenous expression of PML/RARalpha did not sensitize a non-APL leukemic line to As(2)O(3). To evaluate possible other determinants of sensitivity of leukemic cells to As(2)O(3), we derived two arsenic-resistant NB4 subclones. Despite being approximately 10-fold more resistant to arsenic than their parental cell line, PML/RARalpha protein was still degraded by As(2)O(3) in these cells, providing further evidence that loss of expression of the oncoprotein does not confer arsenic sensitivity. Both arsenic-resistant clones contained high glutathione (GSH) levels, however, and we found that GSH depletion coupled with As(2)O(3) treatment dramatically inhibited their growth. Annexin V-staining and TUNEL analysis confirmed a synergistic induction of apoptosis. In addition, these cells failed to accumulate ROS in response to arsenic treatment, in contrast to their arsenic-sensitive parental cells, unless cotreated with buthionine sulfoximine. While other malignant cells did not show a good correlation between arsenic sensitivity and GSH content, GSH depletion nevertheless sensitized all cell lines examined, regardless of their initial response to arsenic alone. These findings suggest that PML/RARalpha expression is not a determinant of arsenic sensitivity, and further support the coupling of GSH depletion and arsenic treatment as a novel treatment for human malignancies that are unresponsive to arsenic alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Davison
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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9
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Côté S, Rosenauer A, Bianchini A, Seiter K, Vandewiele J, Nervi C, Miller WH. Response to histone deacetylase inhibition of novel PML/RARalpha mutants detected in retinoic acid-resistant APL cells. Blood 2002; 100:2586-96. [PMID: 12239173 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2002-02-0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) remains a clinical problem in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and provides a model for the development of novel therapies. Molecular alterations in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the PML/RARalpha fusion gene that characterizes APL constitute one mechanism of acquired resistance to ATRA. We identified missense mutations in PML/RARalpha from an additional ATRA-resistant patient at relapse and in a novel ATRA-resistant cell line, NB4-MRA1. These cause altered binding to ligand and transcriptional coregulators, leading to a dominant-negative block of transcription. These mutations are in regions of the LBD that appear to be mutational hot spots occurring repeatedly in ATRA-resistant APL patient cells. We evaluated whether histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition could overcome the effects of these mutations on ATRA-induced gene expression. Cotreatment with ATRA and TSA restored RARbeta gene expression in NB4-MRA1 cells, whose PML/RARalpha mutation is in helix 12 of the LBD, but not in an APL cell line harboring the patient-derived PML/RARalpha mutation, which was between helix 5 and 6. Furthermore, ATRA combined with TSA increases histone 4 acetylation on the RARbeta promoter only in NB4-MRA1 cells. Consistent with these results, the combined treatment induces differentiation of NB4-MRA1 only. Thus, the ability of an HDAC inhibitor to restore ATRA sensitivity in resistant cells may depend on their specific molecular defects. The variety of PML/RARalpha mutations arising in ATRA-resistant patients begins to explain how APL patients in relapse may differ in response to transcription therapy with HDAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Côté
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital and McGill University Department of Oncology and Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Melnick A. Spotlight on acute promyelocytic leukemia: controversies and challenges. Leukemia 2002; 16:1893-5. [PMID: 12357340 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2002] [Accepted: 08/06/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Melnick
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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11
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Jurcic JG, Nimer SD, Scheinberg DA, DeBlasio T, Warrell RP, Miller WH. Prognostic significance of minimal residual disease detection and PML/RAR-alpha isoform type: long-term follow-up in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Blood 2001; 98:2651-6. [PMID: 11675334 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v98.9.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The t(15;17) translocation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) yields a PML/RAR-alpha fusion messenger RNA species that can be detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. Breakpoints within intron 3 of PML produce a short PML/RAR-alpha isoform, whereas breakpoints within intron 6 result in a longer form. Using RT-PCR, serial evaluations were performed on the bone marrow of 82 patients with APL (median follow-up, > 63 months) who received retinoic acid (RA) induction followed by postremission treatment with chemotherapy, RA, and biologic agents. Sixty-four patients attained a clinical complete remission and had at least 2 RT-PCR assays performed after completing therapy. Forty of 47 patients (85%) with newly diagnosed APL who were induced using RA had residual disease detectable by RT-PCR before additional therapy. After 3 cycles of consolidation therapy, residual disease was found in only 4 of 40 evaluable patients (10%). Among newly diagnosed patients who had 2 or more negative RT-PCR assays, only 3 of 41 (7%) had a relapse, whereas all 4 patients (100%) who had 2 or more positive results had a relapse. Among 63 newly diagnosed patients, those who expressed the short isoform appeared to have shorter disease-free and overall survival durations than patients who expressed the long isoform. These data indicate that 2 or more negative RT-PCR assays on bone marrow, performed at least 1 month apart after completing therapy, are strongly associated with long-term remissions. Conversely, a confirmed positive test is highly predictive of relapse.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Bone Marrow/metabolism
- Child
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/therapy
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm, Residual/diagnosis
- Neoplasm, Residual/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Recurrence
- Remission Induction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Jurcic
- Leukemia, Hematology, and Developmental Chemotherapy Services, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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12
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Zelent A, Guidez F, Melnick A, Waxman S, Licht JD. Translocations of the RARalpha gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Oncogene 2001; 20:7186-203. [PMID: 11704847 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1204766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity for over 40 years. Although relatively rare among hematopoietic malignancies (approximately 10% of AML cases), this disease has attracted a particularly good share of attention by becoming the first human cancer in which all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a physiologically active derivative of vitamin A, was able to induce complete remission (CR). ATRA induced remission is not associated with rapid cell death, as in the case of conventional chemotherapy, but with a restoration of the 'normal' granulocytic differentiation pathway. With this remarkable medical success story APL has overnight become a paradigm for the differentiation therapy of cancer. A few years later, excitement with APL was further enhanced by the discovery that a cytogenetic marker for this disease, the t(15:17) reciprocal chromosomal translocation, involves a fusion between the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha) gene and a previously unknown locus named promyelocytic leukemia (PML). Consequence of this gene rearrangement is expression of the PML-RARalpha chimeric oncoprotein, which is responsible for the cellular transformation as well as ATRA response that is observed in APL. Since this initial discovery, a number of different translocation partner genes of RARalpha have been reported in rarer cases of APL, strongly suggesting that disruption of RARalpha underlies its pathogenesis. This article reviews various rearrangements of the RARalpha gene that have so far been described in literature, functions of the proteins encoded by the different RARalpha partner loci, and implications that these may have for the molecular pathogenesis of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zelent
- Leukemia Research Fund Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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Kohno A, Tsuzuki S, Kasai M, Miyamura K, Emi N, Tanimoto M, Saito H. Acute promyelocytic leukemia with apparently normal karyotype: molecular findings and response to all-trans retinoic acid. Leuk Lymphoma 2001; 42:151-61. [PMID: 11699203 DOI: 10.3109/10428190109097687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is specifically associated with a reciprocal translocation, t(15; 17)(q22; q21), leading to the formation of a fusion of the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARA) gene and the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene. However, there are several reports describing APL cases lacking the t(15; 17). Many such cases are those bearing variant translocations involving chromosomes 15 or 17, and those with no chromosomal aberrations have rarely been reported. We have studied a patient with APL showing an apparently normal karyotype which was confirmed by spectral karyotyping (SKY). A submicroscopic PML-RARA fusion was identified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was effective as the initial therapy for remission induction and as the reinduction therapy after a relapse. The present study shows the key role of the fusion of PML-RARA in the responsiveness to ATRA as well as in the leukemogenesis of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kohno
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a disease associated with fusion oncoproteins invariably involving the retinoic acid receptor (Raralpha). Retinoic acid induces differentiation in APL cells and is successfully used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat and cure a significant percentage of patients with APL. APL is also a model for disruption of normal retinoid-mediated transcription resulting in blocked differentiation. The study of the molecular mechanisms of APL oncogenesis has revealed novel interactions between fusion oncoproteins and transcriptional coregulators, already leading to new treatment strategies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/physiopathology
- Mice
- Models, Animal
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/physiology
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/physiology
- Tretinoin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Mann
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste. Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of leukaemias has relied on the cloning and characterization of recurring chromosomal translocations. A common theme in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) associated with balanced reciprocal translocations is the involvement of transcription factors as one or both of the fusion partners. Transcription factors commonly involved in chromosomal translocations include core binding factor (CBF), retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha), ETS family of transcription factors and homeobox gene (HOX) family members. In addition, the recruitment of transcriptional co-activators and co-repressors by these transcription factors suggests that these proteins also may play a critical role in leukaemogenesis. In support of this hypothesis' at least three fusions associated with leukaemias and involving transcriptional co-activators CBP and p300 have been recently cloned. However expression of transcription factor fusion proteins is not sufficient to induce a leukaemic phenotype, as evidenced in part by the long latencies required for disease development in the murine models of the disease. An emerging paradigm is the co-operation between constitutively activated tyrosine kinase molecules, such as FLT3, and transcription factor fusions in the pathogenesis of AML. In such a model, the activated tyrosine kinase confers proliferation and/or anti-apoptotic activity to the hematopoietic cells, while the transcription factor fusion impairs normal differentiation pathways with limited effect on cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dash
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 4 Blackfan Circle, Room 421, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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16
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Bennett JM, Catovsky D, Daniel MT, Flandrin G, Galton DA, Gralnick HR, Willman CL. Hypergranular promyelocytic leukemia: correlation between morphology and chromosomal translocations including t(15;17) and t(11;17). Leukemia 2000; 14:1197-200. [PMID: 10914542 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The FAB group has reviewed 32 cases of promyelocytic leukemia and variant forms. By utilizing published criteria the ability to make a correct diagnosis by morphology with molecular genetic confirmation and to eliminate cases that did not have the PML/RARalpha rearrangement was excellent.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/analysis
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17/ultrastructure
- Cytoplasmic Granules/enzymology
- Cytoplasmic Granules/ultrastructure
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/analysis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/enzymology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/ultrastructure
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/analysis
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Peroxidase/analysis
- Staining and Labeling
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Tretinoin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Bennett
- University of Rochester Cancer Center, NY 14642, USA
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17
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Murray CK, Estey E, Paietta E, Howard RS, Edenfield WJ, Pierce S, Mann KP, Bolan C, Byrd JC. CD56 expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia: a possible indicator of poor treatment outcome? J Clin Oncol 1999; 17:293-7. [PMID: 10458245 DOI: 10.1200/jco.1999.17.1.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Blast expression of CD56 is frequent in patients with t(8;21)(q22;q22) acute myeloid leukemia and is associated with an inferior outcome. The expression of CD56 has rarely been reported in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and has not been clinically characterized. Therefore, we examined the prognostic significance of CD56 expression in APL. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified all reported cases of CD56+ APL in the medical literature and collected clinical, biologic, and therapeutic details. RESULTS Data were obtained for 12 patients with CD56+ APL (> 20% blast expression of CD56), including four cases from a single institution with a total of 42 APL patients. All of the CD56+ APL patients had documented cytogenetic presence of t(15;17), and of the nine reported isotypes, eight (89%) were S-isoform. Only six CD56+ patients (50%) attained complete remission (CR); the other six individuals died within 35 days of presentation. Of the six patients who attained a CR, three (50%) relapsed at 111, 121, and 155 weeks, whereas three remained in continuous CR at 19, 90, and 109 weeks. Comparison of the control CD56- to CD56+ APL patients demonstrated that the latter group had a significantly lower fibrinogen level (P = .007), and among patients for whom data were available, there was a higher frequency of the S-isoform (P = .006). Additionally, the CR rate (50% v 84%, P = .025) and overall median survival (5 v 232 weeks; P = .019) were significantly inferior for CD56+ APL patients. CONCLUSION CD56+ acute promyelocytic leukemia is infrequent, seems to occur more frequently with the S-isoform subtype, and may be associated with a lower CR rate and inferior overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Murray
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of some malignancies, the prognosis of patients with metastatic tumors remains poor. Differentiating agents redirect cells toward their normal phenotype and therefore may reverse or suppress evolving malignant lesions or prevent cancer invasion. In addition, they offer a potential alternative to the classic cytostatic drugs. METHODS The purpose of this review was to examine the current and potential future roles of differentiating agents in the treatment of cancer. RESULTS Initial studies with differentiating agents focused on retinoid therapy. Although retinoids have shown some clinical success, their widespread use has been limited by resistance and, in the chemopreventive setting, toxicity. This has led to the synthesis of a number of new retinoids that currently are undergoing clinical investigation. A further approach to overcoming the drawbacks associated with exogenous retinoids has been to increase the levels of endogenous retinoic acid (RA) by inhibiting the cytochrome P450-mediated catabolism of RA using a novel class of agents known as retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents (RAMBAs). Liarozole, the first RAMBA to undergo clinical investigation, preferentially increases intratumor levels of endogenous RA resulting in antitumor activity. CONCLUSIONS Although studies using exogenous retinoids in this setting have not yet fulfilled their initial promise, studies with a growing set of synthetic retinoids are ongoing. Furthermore, modulation of endogenous retinoids may offer a significant new potential treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Miller
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Ross DA, Kish P, Muraszko KM, Blaivas M, Strawderman M. Effect of dietary vitamin A or N-acetylcysteine on ethylnitrosourea-induced rat gliomas. J Neurooncol 1998; 40:29-38. [PMID: 9874183 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006171730876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It is our hypothesis that low grade gliomas are the glial counterparts of other precancerous lesions such as colon polyps and, therefore, suitable targets for chemoprevention. Steps in the molecular progression of gliomas have been described, indicating that an accumulation of abnormalities is required for progression to a high grade and interruption of this progression might be possible. An animal model of chemical glial carcinogenesis was used to test this hypothesis. Pregnant rats were injected intravenously with ENU (ethylnitrosourea) on the 18th day of gestation to induce gliomas in the offspring, which were randomized to receive control diet, diet supplemented with vitamin A palmitate, or diet supplemented with N-acetylcysteine. Animals exposed to ENU and receiving a control diet developed brain tumors and had a shortened life expectancy compared with rats unexposed to ENU. The animals treated with NAC showed no statistically significant delay in the time to tumor and no change in the histologic grade of the tumors when compared with animals receiving control diet, but the time to death from any cause of NAC treated animals differed significantly from untreated animals. Animals receiving high dose VA had statistically significantly prolonged time to tumor, survived significantly longer than untreated animals, but had no reduction in the total number of tumors or change in the histologic grade of their tumors. The theoretical basis of these results is likely due to the putative mechanism of action of these agents. These data indicate that glioma chemoprevention is possible and deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Ross
- Brain Tumor Research Laboratory, University of Michigan Medical Center, USA
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20
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Shao W, Fanelli M, Ferrara FF, Riccioni R, Rosenauer A, Davison K, Lamph WW, Waxman S, Pelicci PG, Lo Coco F, Avvisati G, Testa U, Peschle C, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Nervi C, Miller WH. Arsenic trioxide as an inducer of apoptosis and loss of PML/RAR alpha protein in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998; 90:124-33. [PMID: 9450572 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/90.2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, induce differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells in vitro and in patients. However, APL cells develop resistance to retinoic acid treatment. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) can induce clinical remission in patients with APL, including those who have relapsed after retinoic acid treatment, by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) of the leukemia cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which As2O3 induces apoptosis in retinoic acid-sensitive NB4 APL cells, in retinoic acid-resistant derivatives of these cells, and in fresh leukemia cells from patients. METHODS Apoptosis was assessed by means of DNA fragmentation analyses, TUNEL assays (i.e., deoxyuridine triphosphate labeling of DNA nicks with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase), and flow cytometry. Expression of the PML/RAR alpha fusion protein in leukemia cells was assessed by means of western blotting, ligand binding, and immunohistochemistry. Northern blotting and ribonuclease protection assays were used to evaluate changes in gene expression in response to retinoic acid and As2O3 treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS As2O3 induces apoptosis without differentiation in retinoic acid-sensitive and retinoic acid-resistant APL cells at concentrations that are achievable in patients. As2O3 induces loss of the PML/RAR alpha fusion protein in NB4 cells, in retinoic-acid resistant cells derived from them, in fresh APL cells from patients, and in non-APL cells transfected to express this protein. As2O3 and retinoic acid induce different patterns of gene regulation, and they inhibit the phenotypes induced by each other. Understanding the molecular basis of these differences in the effects of As2O3 and retinoic acid may guide the clinical use of arsenic compounds and provide insights into the management of leukemias that do not respond to retinoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Shao
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, Department of Oncology, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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21
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Yagi J, Uchida T, Kuroda K, Uchiyama T. Influence of retinoic acid on the differentiation pathway of T cells in the thymus. Cell Immunol 1997; 181:153-62. [PMID: 9398402 DOI: 10.1006/cimm.1997.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the ability of retinoic acid (RA) to influence T cell differentiation. All-trans-RA had marked effects on T cell differentiation in murine fetal thymic organ cultures (FTOCs). The time course of the effect of all-trans-RA in FTOC of day 14 C57BL/6 embryos revealed a twofold increase in the frequency of CD4 single-positive (SP) cells and a high level of CD3-bearing cells (CD3high cells) at a later stage of T cell development. At an earlier stage, all-trans-RA induced a twofold increase in the frequency of CD4 SP cells, but significantly suppressed the upregulation of CD3 and TCR. Reverse transcription-PCR using RA receptor (RAR) subtype-specific primers showed that RAR alpha but not beta and gamma is expressed during T cell development in the thymus and that its expression was associated with the generation of CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) cells. In FTOC of day 16 BALB/c embryos, the level of V beta 3high cells was greatly reduced (1.4% of the CD3high cells) in response to the mouse mammary tumor virus-6-encoded superantigen, but V beta 3-bearing cells were rescued from the deletion in the presence of all-trans-RA (5.6% of the CD3high cells). Further, the inhibitory effect of all-trans-RA on thymocyte deletion was observed when the deletion was induced by a low concentration of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in FTOC. Taken together, these data suggest that RA increases the frequency of mature and self-reactive T cells in the thymus, possibly by inhibiting the process of negative selection at the DP stage of T cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan
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22
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Tallman MS, Andersen JW, Schiffer CA, Appelbaum FR, Feusner JH, Ogden A, Shepherd L, Willman C, Bloomfield CD, Rowe JM, Wiernik PH. All-trans-retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med 1997; 337:1021-8. [PMID: 9321529 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199710093371501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 723] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All-trans-retinoic acid induces complete remission in acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, it is not clear whether induction therapy with all-trans-retinoic acid is superior to chemotherapy alone or whether maintenance treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid improves outcome. METHODS Three hundred forty-six patients with previously untreated acute promyelocytic leukemia were randomly assigned to receive all-trans-retinoic acid or daunorubicin plus cytarabine as induction treatment. Patients who had a complete remission received consolidation therapy consisting of one cycle of treatment identical to the induction chemotherapy, then high-dose cytarabine plus daunorubicin. Patients still in complete remission after two cycles of consolidation therapy were then randomly assigned to maintenance treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid or to observation. RESULTS Of the 174 patients treated with chemotherapy, 120 (69 percent) had a complete remission, as did 124 of the 172 (72 percent) given all-trans-retinoic acid (P=0.56). When both induction and maintenance treatments were taken into account, the estimated rates of disease-free survival at one, two, and three years were 77, 61, and 55 percent, respectively, for patients assigned to chemotherapy then all-trans-retinoic acid; 86, 75, and 75 percent for all-trans-retinoic acid then all-trans-retinoic acid; 75, 60, and 60 percent for all-trans-retinoic acid then observation; and 29, 18, and 18 percent for chemotherapy then observation. By intention-to-treat analysis, the rates of overall survival at one, two, and three years after entry into the study were 75, 57, and 50 percent, respectively, among patients assigned to chemotherapy, and 82, 72, and 67 percent among those assigned to all-trans-retinoic acid (P= 0.003). CONCLUSIONS All-trans-retinoic acid as induction or maintenance treatment improves disease-free and overall survival as compared with chemotherapy alone and should be included in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Tallman
- Northwestern University Medical School, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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23
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Characterization of the Retinoid Binding Properties of the Major Fusion Products Present in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Blood 1997. [DOI: 10.1182/blood.v90.3.1175.1175_1175_1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bcr1- and bcr3- promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARα) are the two major fusion proteins expressed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. These proteins, which are present in different lengths of PML (amino acids 1-552 and 1-394, respectively), contain most of the functional domains of PML and RARα, bind all-trans-retinoic acid (t-RA), and act as t-RA–dependent transcription factors. T-RA is an effective inducer of clinical remission only in patients carrying the t(15; 17) and expressing the PML/RARα products. However, in APL patients achieving complete remission with t-RA therapy the bcr3-PML/RARα product has been found associated with a poorer prognosis than bcr1-PML/RARα. In the present study we have investigated the structural and functional properties of the bcr3-PML/RARα in comparison to the previously characterized bcr1-PML/RARα. In particular, we have measured the binding properties of the two endogenous ligands t-RA and 9-cis-RA to both of these isoforms. T-RA binding analysis of nuclear and cytosolic extracts prepared from bcr3-PML/RARα APL patients and from bcr3-PML/RARα COS-1 transfected cells indicates that this protein is present only as high-molecular-weight nuclear complexes. Using saturation binding assays and Scatchard analyses we found that t-RA binds with slightly less affinity to the bcr3-PML/RARα receptor than to bcr1-PML/RARα or RARα (Kd = 0.4 nmol/L, 0.13 nmol/L or 0.09 nmol/L, respectively). Moreover, two different high-affinity 9-cis-RA binding sites (Kd = 0.45 and 0.075 nmol/L) were detectable in the bcr3-PML/RARα product but not in the bcr1-PML/RARα product (Kd = 0.77 nmol/L). By competition binding experiments we showed that 9-cis-RA binds with higher specificity to the bcr3-PML/RARα isoform than to the bcr1-PML/RARα or RARα. Consistent with these data, the binding of 9-cis-RA to the bcr3-PML/RARα product resulted in increased transcriptional activation of the RA-responsive element (RARE) TRE, but not of the βRARE, in transiently transfected COS-1 cells. These results provide evidence indicating that preferential retinoid binding to the different PML/RARα products can be measured.
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24
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Characterization of the Retinoid Binding Properties of the Major Fusion Products Present in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Blood 1997. [DOI: 10.1182/blood.v90.3.1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe bcr1- and bcr3- promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARα) are the two major fusion proteins expressed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. These proteins, which are present in different lengths of PML (amino acids 1-552 and 1-394, respectively), contain most of the functional domains of PML and RARα, bind all-trans-retinoic acid (t-RA), and act as t-RA–dependent transcription factors. T-RA is an effective inducer of clinical remission only in patients carrying the t(15; 17) and expressing the PML/RARα products. However, in APL patients achieving complete remission with t-RA therapy the bcr3-PML/RARα product has been found associated with a poorer prognosis than bcr1-PML/RARα. In the present study we have investigated the structural and functional properties of the bcr3-PML/RARα in comparison to the previously characterized bcr1-PML/RARα. In particular, we have measured the binding properties of the two endogenous ligands t-RA and 9-cis-RA to both of these isoforms. T-RA binding analysis of nuclear and cytosolic extracts prepared from bcr3-PML/RARα APL patients and from bcr3-PML/RARα COS-1 transfected cells indicates that this protein is present only as high-molecular-weight nuclear complexes. Using saturation binding assays and Scatchard analyses we found that t-RA binds with slightly less affinity to the bcr3-PML/RARα receptor than to bcr1-PML/RARα or RARα (Kd = 0.4 nmol/L, 0.13 nmol/L or 0.09 nmol/L, respectively). Moreover, two different high-affinity 9-cis-RA binding sites (Kd = 0.45 and 0.075 nmol/L) were detectable in the bcr3-PML/RARα product but not in the bcr1-PML/RARα product (Kd = 0.77 nmol/L). By competition binding experiments we showed that 9-cis-RA binds with higher specificity to the bcr3-PML/RARα isoform than to the bcr1-PML/RARα or RARα. Consistent with these data, the binding of 9-cis-RA to the bcr3-PML/RARα product resulted in increased transcriptional activation of the RA-responsive element (RARE) TRE, but not of the βRARE, in transiently transfected COS-1 cells. These results provide evidence indicating that preferential retinoid binding to the different PML/RARα products can be measured.
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25
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Miller WH. Differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia: clinical and molecular features. Cancer Invest 1996; 14:142-50. [PMID: 8597899 DOI: 10.3109/07357909609018889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W H Miller
- Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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26
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Tallman MS. Good things come in small packages. Cancer Invest 1996; 14:182-3. [PMID: 8597905 DOI: 10.3109/07357909609018895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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27
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Scherulen W, Harbott J, Janssen JW, Kühl J, Bartram CR. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia with hypogranular bone marrow blasts in a 16-year-old girl: diagnostic value of different genetic methods. Eur J Pediatr 1995; 154:369-73. [PMID: 7641768 DOI: 10.1007/bf02072105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We report a 16-year-old girl who presented with anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Bone marrow analysis showed promyelocyte-like myeloblasts with rare Auer rods and very few granula. CD2 antigen was not expressed in bone marrow blasts. Karyotype analysis revealed a complex pattern of chromosomal aberrations without the promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) specific translocation t(15;17) (q22;q21). Southern blot analysis revealed a rearrangement of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) locus. Reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed the initial diagnosis of PML by amplification of the PML-specific PML/RAR alpha fusion transcript. CONCLUSION This case report confirms that a characteristic translocation t(15;17) is not always detectable in PML blasts by karyotype analysis despite presence of specific PML/RAR alpha-transcripts. Together with careful morphological analysis of bone marrow blasts this assay apparently is the most specific and sensitive method to confirm the diagnosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Southern
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/genetics
- Female
- Humans
- Karyotyping
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Translocation, Genetic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- W Scherulen
- Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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Lippman S, Hong W. 13-cis-retinoic acid plus interferon-α in solid tumors: Keeping the cart behind the horse. Ann Oncol 1994. [DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.annonc.a058867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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29
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Zelent A. Translocation of the RAR alpha locus to the PML or PLZF gene in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 1994; 86:451-60. [PMID: 8043428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1994.tb04773.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Zelent
- Leukaemia Research Fund Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London
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30
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Abstract
Perhaps the most important advance in this field is not the specific actions of all-trans-retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia, but rather the conclusive documentation of differentiation as a practical and consistently effective method of treating human cancer. As a drug, all-trans-retinoic acid has certain undesirable pharmacologic properties that might be overcome by the use of alternative retinoids, such as 9-cis-retinoic acid, that are equally active against acute promyelocytic leukemia cells in vitro. In addition to retinoids that selectively activate RARs or RXRs, other ligands of the steroid-thyroid receptor superfamily, such as vitamin D3, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids also have cytodifferentiating actions in model systems. Numerous other agents can effect differentiation of neoplastic cells in such systems, including sodium butyrate, hexamethylene bisacetamide and its analogues, colony-stimulating factors, and interferons. Each of these compounds apparently acts through different pathways, and their activity may be greatly amplified when they are used in combination. Just as the practical usefulness of all-trans-retinoic acid in combination with conventional treatments continues to evolve, the use of differentiation agents in combination represents a novel and promising approach for oncologic therapy in the next decade. Although acute promyelocytic leukemia remains an "orphan" disease, its importance as a model for human neoplasia should not be minimized. The specific molecular lesion of acute promyelocytic leukemia is not shared by other cancers, but the physiologic actions of retinoids, their documented cytodifferentiating activity against a variety of human cancer cells in vitro, and their usefulness in cancer chemoprevention are clearly not mediated by identifiable mutations of retinoid receptors. The insights into transformation and leukemogenesis gained in acute promyelocytic leukemia may be a harbinger of further clinical applications and offer a glimpse into the next generation of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Warrell
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Cornell University Medical College, New York 10021
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lavau
- Institut Pasteur, INSERM U163, Paris, France
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32
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van Bockstaele DR, Lenjou M, Snoeck HW, Lardon F, Stryckmans P, Peetermans ME. Direct effects of 13-cis and all-trans retinoic acid on normal bone marrow (BM) progenitors: comparative study on BM mononuclear cells and on isolated CD34+ BM cells. Ann Hematol 1993; 66:61-6. [PMID: 7680579 DOI: 10.1007/bf01695885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The effects of both 13-cis-and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on colony formation of normal bone marrow (BM) progenitors were investigated in semi-solid (methylcellulose) assays, using either isolated CD34+ cells or BM mononuclear cells. Single cell liquid cultures were performed to further discriminate between direct and indirect effects. RA action results in significant decrease of colony forming units (CFUs). This effect is more pronounced starting from CD34+ progenitors than starting from total BM. This overall decrease in CFUs is due to selective inhibition of CFU-M (macrophage) and erythroid colonies (BFU-E). At the single cell level the CFU-M inhibition is confirmed with--in addition--a significant inhibition of CFU-GM (granulocyte-macrophage) and a marked stimulation of CFU-G (granulocyte)s. Both retinoids exert the above-mentioned effects. All-trans RA, however, is effective at a tenfold lower concentration (10(-7)M) than 13-cis RA (10(-6)M). Results on CD34+ BM fractions (substantially reduced in accessory cells) demonstrate that the described effects can probably be attributed to the direct action of RA on these progenitors; single progenitor (CD34+) cell liquid cultures further prove this point.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R van Bockstaele
- University of Antwerp (UIA/UZA), Laboratory for Experimental Hematology, Edegem, Belgium
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33
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Frankel SR. Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: New Insights into Diagnosis and Therapy. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8588(18)30260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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34
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Degos L. All trans retinoic acid as a targeting drug for differentiation therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Cancer Treat Res 1993; 64:1-13. [PMID: 8095789 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-3086-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L Degos
- Institut Universitaire D'Hematologie, Hopital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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35
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Gale JB. Recent advances in the chemistry and biology of retinoids. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 1993; 30:1-55. [PMID: 8303034 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6468(08)70374-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J B Gale
- Universidad de Costa Rica, Escuela de Química, Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio
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36
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Borrow J, Solomon E. Molecular analysis of the t(15;17) translocation in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL HAEMATOLOGY 1992; 5:833-56. [PMID: 1339190 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-3536(11)80048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
APL (FAB M3) is a unique type of myeloid leukaemia characterized by specific clinical, morphological, cytogenetic and molecular features. An early and accurate diagnosis is necessary to initiate therapy and treat the life-threatening coagulopathy caused by release of procoagulants from the abundant promyelocytic granules. Cytogenetically the disease is characterized by a reciprocal translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 15 and 17, t(15;17)(q21;q22), which is seen in almost every patient with APL but in no other form of malignancy. The presence of this translocation, often as the only karyotypic change, suggests that potentially leukaemogenic sequences are located at the breakpoints and are activated by rearrangement. The recent cloning of the breakpoints by three groups has demonstrated that the retinoic acid receptor alpha gene (RARA) on chromosome 17 is fused to a previously undescribed transcription factor gene, PML, on chromosome 15. The DNA-binding motifs of both the RARA and PML proteins, together with the ligand-binding domain of RARA, are combined in a single fusion protein which may dysregulate either retinoic acid or PML-sensitive pathways. Identification of these dysregulated target genes has become the next molecular goal for research on APL. Intriguingly, some APLs not only express the PML-RARA fusion protein but also the reciprocal RARA-PML fusion protein, although the contribution of this product is unclear. The PML-RARA chimaeric protein is presumably the target during the striking differentiation therapy achieved with all-trans retinoic acid. This therapy induces the malignant promyelocytes to mature and die, rather than continue proliferating. Moreover, it represents the first direct connection between a genetic defect and clinical treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Child
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17/ultrastructure
- Cloning, Molecular
- Female
- Humans
- Leucine Zippers/genetics
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/pathology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogenes
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tretinoin/therapeutic use
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- J Borrow
- Somatic Cell Genetics Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, UK
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37
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38
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Miller WH, Kakizuka A, Frankel SR, Warrell RP, DeBlasio A, Levine K, Evans RM, Dmitrovsky E. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the rearranged retinoic acid receptor alpha clarifies diagnosis and detects minimal residual disease in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1992; 89:2694-8. [PMID: 1372989 PMCID: PMC48728 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.7.2694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristic t(15;17) of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) fuses the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-alpha) gene on chromosome 17 to a gene on chromosome 15 called PML, a putative transcription factor. This distinct translocation results in a fusion mRNA detected by Northern analysis. Two cDNAs have been isolated that differ in the extent of 3' PML nucleic acid sequence contained. This study describes a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the PML/RAR-alpha fusion transcript, which amplifies PML/RAR-alpha mRNA from APL cells with either reported breakpoint. DNA sequencing of the predominant RT-PCR products from 6 patients showed identical RAR-alpha exonic breakpoints and two PML breakpoints. This RT-PCR assay was positive in leukemic cells from 30/30 APL patients with the molecular rearrangement confirmed by cytogenetics or Northern analysis. In leukemic cells of patients with a morphologic diagnosis of APL lacking the t(15;17) by routine cytogenetics, a positive RT-PCR assay predicted clinical response to all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) therapy. Dilutional studies with leukemic cells that express (NB4) or do not express (HL-60) a PML/RAR-alpha fusion mRNA reveal that this RT-PCR assay detects the transcript from as little as 50 pg of total RNA. In APL cells from 5/6 patients treated with RA alone, a complete response by clinical and cytogenetic criteria accompanied a persistently positive RT-PCR assay. This preceded relapse by 1-6 months. RT-PCR for PML/RAR-alpha mRNA provides a more-sensitive test for the t(15;17) than routine cytogenetics or Northern analysis. This molecular rearrangement detected by RT-PCR best defines this RA-responsive malignancy. The RT-PCR assay for the PML/RAR-alpha transcript yields important diagnostic and prognostic information in the management of APL patients.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Northern
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Chromosome Aberrations/diagnosis
- Chromosome Disorders
- Gene Expression
- Gene Rearrangement
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/chemistry
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Prognosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tretinoin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Miller
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021
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39
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Reese DH, Larsen RA, Hornicek FJ. Control of alkaline phosphatase activity in C3H10T1/2 cells: role of retinoic acid and cell density. J Cell Physiol 1992; 151:239-48. [PMID: 1572900 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.1041510204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) has been shown to be lost or inappropriately expressed during carcinogenesis in some tissues. Because retinoic acid (RA) appears to play a role in the normal regulation of the enzyme (RA up-regulates AP in a variety of cell types) we have suggested that altered AP expression in some cancers may be caused by a defect in the ability of the cells to respond normally to retinoid. We have begun to use the chemically transformable mouse embryo fibroblast cell, C3H10T1/2, to investigate this possibility. In this initial study we characterized AP regulation in normal C3H10T1/2 cells and show that: (1) 10(-7) M RA increases AP activity within 3-4 h in serum-free medium; (2) serum inhibits short-term induction (0-8 h) in a concentration-dependent manner (10% serum causes complete inhibition); (3) during long-term RA exposure (24 h and 48 h), induction can be detected in serum-containing medium; (4) AP induction is dose related at RA concentrations from 10(-10) M to 10(-6) M in serum-free medium; (5) 10(-5) M RA is ineffective at inducing AP in serum-free medium during 8 h but is the most effective concentration in serum-containing medium during 24 h and 48 h exposures; (6) AP inducibility by RA requires near-confluent cell densities; and (7) when cultures become confluent, cells become constitutive for AP and no longer require RA for enzyme expression. The effects of serum and cell density on AP inducibility by RA and implications of the RA up-regulation of AP for teratogenesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Reese
- Genetic Toxicology Assessment Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 20460
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40
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Degos L. All-trans-retinoic acid treatment and retinoic acid receptor alpha gene rearrangement in acute promyelocytic leukemia: a model for differentiation therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CELL CLONING 1992; 10:63-9. [PMID: 1312109 DOI: 10.1002/stem.5530100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin A derivative, is a safe and effective drug in the obtention of complete remission in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). ATRA is able to activate the maturation of malignant cells from patients with APL either in vitro or in vivo. Complete remission was obtained without any feature of aplastic phase and the severe bleeding diathesis rapidly disappeared. The major adverse effect is the occurrence of hyperleukocytosis which is prevented by the addition of chemotherapy. A progressive acquired resistance appears during ATRA treatment and prolonged event free survival time is obtained after consolidation with cytotoxic drugs. In APL the retinoic acid receptor alpha gene is rearranged and fused with a novel gene called PML. The hybrid PML-RAR product could have a role in the leukemogenesis blocking the effect of the normal RAR on target genes. Retinoic acid exerts a differentiating effect either by the induction of a normal activity of the aberrant product in the presence of pharmacological concentration, or by an over-expression of the normal allele. The results obtained by cellular and molecular biology gave opportunities to confirm the diagnosis, to follow the assessment of the minimal residual disease and to understand the acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Degos
- Institut d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
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41
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Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), although an uncommon disorder, is a useful prototype for the treatment of malignancies in general. Significant advances have been made in both the understanding and treatment of this disease. In particular, clinically relevant molecular mechanisms of disease in AML are being defined that hold future therapeutic promise. We review the classification and biology of AML and the current treatment controversies in the use of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, and suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Mastrianni
- Hematology/Oncology Division, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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42
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Characterization of a fusion cDNA (RARA/myl) transcribed from the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Mol Cell Biol 1992. [PMID: 1310153 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.12.2.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A nonrandom chromosomal translocation breakpoint, t(15;17)(q22;q21), is found in almost all patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Most of these breakpoints occur within the second intron of the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARA) gene. We screened a cDNA library of APL and have identified and sequenced a cDNA transcribed from the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint. The 5' end of cDNA p1715 consists of 503 bp of the RARA exon II sequence. A 1.76-kb cDNA without homology to any known gene available in GenBank was found truncated downstream. This cDNA sequence was assigned to chromosome 15 by dot blot hybridization of the flow cytometry-sorted chromosomes. We designate this fusion cDNA RARA/myl, which is different from myl/RARA reported by de The et al. (H. de The, C. Chomienne, M. Lanotte, L. Degos, and A. Dejean, Nature (London) 347:558-561, 1990). This result demonstrates that the two different types of hybrid mRNA can be transcribed from this breakpoint. We screened a non-APL cDNA library and identified a 2.8-kb myl cDNA. This cDNA is able to encode a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 78,450. Alternative splicing of the myl gene which resulted in myl proteins with different C terminals was found. Southern blot analysis of the genomic DNA isolated from 17 APL patients by using the myl DNA probe demonstrated that the myl gene in 12 samples was rearranged. Northern (RNA) blot analysis of RARA gene expression in two APL RNA samples showed abnormal mRNA species of 4.2 and 3.2 kb in one patient and of 4.8 and 3.8 kb in another patient; these were in addition to the normal mRNA species of 3.7 and 2.7-kb. The myl DNA probe detected a 2.6-kb abnormal mRNA in addition to the normal mRNA species of 3.2, 4.2, and 5.5 kb. Using the polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated that both RARA/myl and myl/RARA were coexpressed in samples from three different APL patients. From this study, we conclude that the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint results in the transcription of two different fusion transcripts which are expected to be translated into fusion proteins.
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43
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Chang KS, Stass SA, Chu DT, Deaven LL, Trujillo JM, Freireich EJ. Characterization of a fusion cDNA (RARA/myl) transcribed from the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Mol Cell Biol 1992; 12:800-10. [PMID: 1310153 PMCID: PMC364308 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.12.2.800-810.1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A nonrandom chromosomal translocation breakpoint, t(15;17)(q22;q21), is found in almost all patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Most of these breakpoints occur within the second intron of the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARA) gene. We screened a cDNA library of APL and have identified and sequenced a cDNA transcribed from the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint. The 5' end of cDNA p1715 consists of 503 bp of the RARA exon II sequence. A 1.76-kb cDNA without homology to any known gene available in GenBank was found truncated downstream. This cDNA sequence was assigned to chromosome 15 by dot blot hybridization of the flow cytometry-sorted chromosomes. We designate this fusion cDNA RARA/myl, which is different from myl/RARA reported by de The et al. (H. de The, C. Chomienne, M. Lanotte, L. Degos, and A. Dejean, Nature (London) 347:558-561, 1990). This result demonstrates that the two different types of hybrid mRNA can be transcribed from this breakpoint. We screened a non-APL cDNA library and identified a 2.8-kb myl cDNA. This cDNA is able to encode a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 78,450. Alternative splicing of the myl gene which resulted in myl proteins with different C terminals was found. Southern blot analysis of the genomic DNA isolated from 17 APL patients by using the myl DNA probe demonstrated that the myl gene in 12 samples was rearranged. Northern (RNA) blot analysis of RARA gene expression in two APL RNA samples showed abnormal mRNA species of 4.2 and 3.2 kb in one patient and of 4.8 and 3.8 kb in another patient; these were in addition to the normal mRNA species of 3.7 and 2.7-kb. The myl DNA probe detected a 2.6-kb abnormal mRNA in addition to the normal mRNA species of 3.2, 4.2, and 5.5 kb. Using the polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated that both RARA/myl and myl/RARA were coexpressed in samples from three different APL patients. From this study, we conclude that the t(15;17) translocation breakpoint results in the transcription of two different fusion transcripts which are expected to be translated into fusion proteins.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Southern
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
- Exons/genetics
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Restriction Mapping
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Chang
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030
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44
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Degos L. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapeutical effect in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Biomed Pharmacother 1992; 46:201-9. [PMID: 1467448 DOI: 10.1016/0753-3322(92)90083-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is able to specifically differentiate acute promyelocytic leukemic cells (APL) in short-term culture. Patients with APL achieved complete remission within 1-3 months by a progressive maturation of leukemic cells. The advantages of this differentiation therapy are the rapid disappearance of the bleeding disorders and the absence of aplastic phase avoiding the early deaths occurring in 15-30% of patients with conventional chemotherapy. However, relapses occurred when ATRA alone was maintained. For this reason, a chemotherapy is added after complete remission obtained by ATRA. A pilot study on 27 patients was proposed with the sequential combination of ATRA and chemotherapy. A European trial randomizes conventional therapy to the sequential ATRA-chemotherapy protocol. Retinoic acid receptor (RAR alpha) is rearranged by the specific translocation t(15;17) of APL; a PCR technique was developed in order to ensure the diagnosis and to follow the minimal residual disease. Transfection experiment of the chimaeric gene inhibits the transactivation of the natural RAR. ATRA is able to revert the arrest of maturation perhaps through an increase of the expression of the normal allele of RAR, which could overpass the impairment induced by the chimaeric protein on target responsive elements. One of the steps of the repair is the modulation of programmed cell death (PCD). Bcl-2, a gene involved in the PCD, is modulated in in vitro studies, arguing for the engagement of the cell in the natural death. The beneficial effect of differentiation therapy is probably due to the induction of the natural death of the malignant cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Degos
- Hôpital St Louis, Service des Maladies du Sang, Paris, France
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45
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Matzner Y. Prolonged Complete Remission of Relapsing Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Induced by 13-cis-retinoic Acid. Leuk Lymphoma 1992. [DOI: 10.3109/10428199209053578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaacov Matzner
- Hematology Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
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46
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Linney E. Retinoic acid receptors: transcription factors modulating gene regulation, development, and differentiation. Curr Top Dev Biol 1992; 27:309-50. [PMID: 1330444 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(08)60538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Linney
- Department of Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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47
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Glass CK, DiRenzo J, Kurokawa R, Han ZH. Regulation of gene expression by retinoic acid receptors. DNA Cell Biol 1991; 10:623-38. [PMID: 1661598 DOI: 10.1089/dna.1991.10.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C K Glass
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0656
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48
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Bashford J, Szer J, Wiley JS, Buckley M, Garson OM, Van der Weyden MB. Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia relapsing after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with all-trans-retinoic acid: suppression of the leukaemic clone. Br J Haematol 1991; 79:331-4. [PMID: 1958492 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1991.tb04542.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe the clinical experience of a male patient with acute promyelocytic leukaemia, relapsing after sex-mismatched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and treated with all-trans-retinoic acid. Resolution of the coagulopathy was observed by day 7 of therapy. A complete remission was achieved by day 47 after a period of pancytopenia, dysplastic myeloid maturation and bone marrow hypocellularity with necrosis and fibrosis. Serial cytogenetic analyses revealed a progressive loss of the male leukaemic clone [46XY,t(15;17)] and emergence of normal female (donor) cells [46XX] which became completely dominant with remission. Adverse effects of all-trans-retinoic acid included bone pain and a prominent leucocytosis requiring leukaphereses and hydroxyurea therapy. All-trans-retinoic acid can induce complete remission of recurrent acute promyelocytic leukaemia following bone marrow transplantation. The data suggest that remission is due to differentiation and suppression of the leukaemic clone while allowing repopulation of the marrow with non-malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bashford
- Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
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49
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Kakizuka A, Miller WH, Umesono K, Warrell RP, Frankel SR, Murty VV, Dmitrovsky E, Evans RM. Chromosomal translocation t(15;17) in human acute promyelocytic leukemia fuses RAR alpha with a novel putative transcription factor, PML. Cell 1991; 66:663-74. [PMID: 1652368 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(91)90112-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1074] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A unique mRNA produced in leukemic cells from a t(15;17) acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patient encodes a fusion protein between the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) and a myeloid gene product called PML. PML contains a cysteine-rich region present in a new family of apparent DNA-binding proteins that includes a regulator of the interleukin-2 receptor gene (Rpt-1) and the recombination-activating gene product (RAG-1). Accordingly, PML may represent a novel transcription factor or recombinase. The aberrant PML-RAR fusion product, while typically retinoic acid responsive, displays both cell type- and promoter-specific differences from the wild-type RAR alpha. Because patients with APL can be induced into remission with high dose RA therapy, we propose that the nonliganded PML-RAR protein is a new class of dominant negative oncogene product. Treatment with RA would not only relieve this inhibition, but the activated PML-RAR protein may actually promote myelocyte differentiation.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Northern
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
- DNA/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Proteins
- Nuclear Proteins
- Oligonucleotides/chemistry
- Oncogenes
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcriptional Activation
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tretinoin
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kakizuka
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
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50
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MESH Headings
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tretinoin/therapeutic use
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