Clonal trisomy 8 is associated with myeloid phenotype rather than the neoplastic transformation in acute leukemia

Our studies of an acute leukemia with a clonal t(1;11) marker have demonstrated a conversion from pre-B cell to myelomonocytic phenotype associated with the acquisition of trisomy 8. This finding suggests that trisomy 8, a frequent clonal abnormality in acute myeloid leukemias, may be associated with the myeloid phenotype rather than the neoplastic transformation. A permanent myelomonocytic cell line, designated UF-SK1, has been established from leukemic cells with a 47,XX,+8,t(1;11) (p31;q25) karyotype and shown to have myelomonocytic characteristics, including phorbol ester-induced differentiation to macrophages. This new cell line will be a valuable tool in the study of leukemogenesis and lineage commitment.