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[Effect of arsenic trioxide on the expression of apoptosis-related genes in NB4 cells]
Xiao-Hui Zhang1, Yu Hu, Guan-Xin Shen
1Institute of Hematology and People Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression profiles of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line NB4 treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3) by using cDNA microarray. cDNA probes were prepared through reverse transcription from mRNA of NB4 cells treated with or without arsenic trioxide. The probes were labeled with Cy3 and Cy5 fluorescence dyes individually, hybridized with cDNA microarray representing 201 different human genes, and their fluorescent intensities were scanned. The genes were screened through the analysis of the difference in the gene expression profile. The results showed that after the treatment of arsenic trioxide (2 micromol/L), 6 genes were up-regulated, and 12 genes related to apoptosis and signal transduction were down-regulated. The p21, survivin, cdc2 and Wee1Hu genes may be related to the differentiation and/or apoptosis of NB4 cells induced by As2O3. It is concluded that p21, survivin, cdc2 and Wee1Hu may play an important role in the mechanism underling arsenic trioxide-mediated NB4 cell apoptosis.
Insights
Arsenic trioxide treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells altered gene expression, down-regulating key apoptosis and signal transduction genes. Specific genes like p21 and survivin may drive As2O3-induced NB4 cell apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a distinct subtype of leukemia.
- Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is a known therapeutic agent for APL.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of As2O3 action is crucial for APL treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression profiles of the NB4 APL cell line after As2O3 treatment.
- To identify specific genes involved in As2O3-induced differentiation and apoptosis in NB4 cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cDNA microarray technology to analyze gene expression.
- Prepared cDNA probes from mRNA of NB4 cells treated with or without As2O3.
- Hybridized probes to a microarray representing 201 human genes and scanned fluorescent intensities.
Main Results:
- Identified significant changes in gene expression following As2O3 treatment (2 micromol/L).
- Observed upregulation of 6 genes and downregulation of 12 genes.
- Highlighted downregulation of genes related to apoptosis and signal transduction.
Conclusions:
- The genes p21, survivin, cdc2, and Wee1Hu were identified as potentially involved in As2O3-induced differentiation and/or apoptosis of NB4 cells.
- These genes may play a critical role in the underlying mechanism of arsenic trioxide-mediated apoptosis in APL.
