The expression pattern of Bcl11a, Mdm2 and Pten genes in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Bcl11a is closely associated with B-cell lymphoma and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, little is known about the expression character of Bcl11a gene in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In previous study, our results showed there was a clear dysregulation in the global gene expression of the Bcl11a-suppressed B lymphoma cells. The aim of the study is to further evaluate the role of Bcl11a and the expression level of its related genes Mdm2, Pten in B-ALL patients.

The relative mRNA expression levels of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten in blood mononuclear cells of B-ALL patients were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) with SYBR Green Dye. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers served as control. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) was used as reference.

There was higher Bcl11a mRNA expression in initial diagnosed B-ALL than the healthy control, but there is no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The expression level of Bcl11a and Mdm2 in initial diagnosed B-ALL patients was statistically higher compared to those with complete remission (CR; P < 0.05). The expression levels of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten in B-ALL patients with CR were decreased significantly when compared with the healthy control (P < 0.05). The correlation analyses revealed that the Bcl11a expression level was positively correlated with the Mdm2 and Pten relative expression level in B-ALL patients. There is also positive correlation between Mdm2 and Pten expression.

Bcl11a transcript levels were significantly downregulated in B-ALL patients with CR. The decreased expression characteristics of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten might imply the CR of B-ALL patients.