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Elevated myc expression and c-myc amplification in spontaneously occurring B lymphoid cell lines
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Ly-1+ B cells, a unique lymphocyte subset, show spontaneous immortalization in culture. This growth is linked to increased myc RNA and c-myc gene amplification, a novel finding in lymphoid cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ly-1+ B cells are a distinct murine B lymphocyte subpopulation.
- They exhibit unique developmental and tissue distribution patterns.
- These cells are implicated in autoimmune and neoplastic B cell diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the immortalization of Ly-1+ B cell lines.
- To determine if c-myc gene alterations are associated with Ly-1+ B cell immortalization.
Main Methods:
- Established long-term murine spleen cell cultures.
- Analyzed gene expression of myc RNA.
- Quantified c-myc gene locus amplification.
Main Results:
- Ly-1+ B cell lines demonstrated spontaneous immortal growth in culture.
- A 10-45 fold elevation in steady-state myc RNA was observed.
- A 2-10 fold amplification of the c-myc gene locus was consistently found in these cells.
Conclusions:
- c-myc gene amplification is a novel finding in immortalized lymphoid cells.
- This amplification may contribute to the spontaneous immortalization of Ly-1+ B cells in vitro.
- It could also explain their predisposition to malignant transformation in vivo.