Beclin-1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α genes expression: Potential biomarkers in acute leukemia patients

Beclin-1, an important autophagic gene, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the master regulator of the hypoxic response, are reported in several human cancers. However, their expressions in acute leukemia haven't yet been well investigated.

This study was designed to investigate the gene expression of beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B (MAB1LC3B), the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2, and HIF-1α, as well as to evaluate the relationship between their expressions profile and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) adult patients.

The study involved 30 AML patients, 25 ALL patients, and 20 controls. Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR).

In both AML and ALL groups, beclin-1 and MAB1LC3B expressions were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.001), while HIF-1α (p < 0.01) and Bcl-2 (p < 0.001) expressions were significantly up-regulated compared to the control group. HIF-1α fold expression was significantly negatively correlated with beclin-1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, decreased beclin-1 gene expression and increased HIF-1α gene expression were both associated with poor survival, supporting their pivotal role in the development and progression of acute leukemia.

Both Beclin-1 and HIF-1α could be considered as important biomarkers determinants of pathogenesis and survival in acute leukemia.