Expression of proto-oncogene c-jun during differentiation of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia

We describe in vitro studies undertaken to characterize the expression of the proto-oncogene c-jun during differentiation of B-CLL cells. The phorbol ester TPA and the natural compound Bryostatin 1 (Bryo) were used to directly stimulate protein kinase C (PKC) while the calcium ionophone A23187 was employed to increase intracellular Ca2+. In quiescent cells c-jun mRNA expression was undetectable or at low levels. Upon treatment with TPA or Bryo, the steady-state levels of c-jun mRNA increased rapidly, reached a maximum at 0.5 or 1 hr, and then decreased in the B-CLL cells from all five patients analyzed; this reaction was augmented by the addition of A23187. Induction of c-jun mRNA by direct stimulation of PKC could be blocked by the PKC inhibitor H7. The present observations, along with other results on the induction of long-term phenotypical cellular changes, such as alteration of morphology and other features of differentiation, support the notion that the second messenger (via PKC) and the third messenger (via proto-oncogene products) pathways are intact in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.