Detection of tumor necrosis factor gene expression at a cellular level in human acute myeloid leukemias

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a Mr 17,000 cytokine produced by macrophages. We have recently demonstrated that TNF is also produced by transformed human epithelial cells. The present studies have examined TNF expression in human myeloid leukemic cells. We have monitored TNF expression at a cellular level using alkaline phosphatase detection of a biotinylated TNF cDNA probe in situ. Using this approach, TNF transcripts were detectable in HL-60 cells induced along the monocytic lineage by phorbol ester but not in uninduced cells. The specific detection of TNF RNA at a cellular level was supported by the absence of histochemical staining in RNase-treated cells and when using biotinylated pBR322 plasmid without insert. These studies were extended to preparations of purified acute myeloblastic leukemia cells. The results demonstrate that TNF is expressed in myeloblasts in eight of nine patients with AML. In each preparation of myeloblasts with detectable TNF RNA, transcripts were present at 89-98% of the cells. The identification of TNF RNA in situ was also associated with the detection of TNF protein in leukemic blasts by indirect immunofluorescence. Moreover, the detection of TNF protein in these preparations of myeloblasts was confirmed by immunoblotting. However, using this approach to examine AML cells before and after purification indicated that TNF expression is induced as a result of the enrichment procedures. Thus, certain populations of purified myeloid leukemic cells are capable of expressing TNF at both the RNA and protein levels.