Differences in expression of transcription factor AP-1 in human promyelocytic HL-60 cells during differentiation

F Mollinedo1, C Gajate, A Tugores

  • 1Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, C.S.I.C., Veláquez, Madrid, Spain.

The Biochemical Journal
|August 15, 1993
PubMed

Insights

AP-1 transcription factor activity is crucial for monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells but not for granulocytic differentiation. This highlights AP-1

Area of Science:

  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Transcription Factors

Background:

  • HL-60 cells are a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line widely used to study myeloid differentiation.
  • The transcription factor Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) plays a role in various cellular processes, including differentiation.
  • Understanding the role of AP-1 in HL-60 cell differentiation can provide insights into myeloid lineage commitment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of AP-1 activity during the differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by different agents.
  • To determine if AP-1 is differentially regulated during monocytic versus granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.

Main Methods:

  • HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages using 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA).
  • Granulocytic differentiation was induced using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
  • Monocytic differentiation was induced using sodium butyrate or 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
  • AP-1 binding activity was assessed using gel retardation analysis.
  • Proto-oncogene mRNA levels (c-fos, c-jun, jun B, jun D) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • PMA-induced macrophage differentiation increased jun B, c-fos mRNA, and AP-1 binding activity.
  • DMSO-induced granulocytic differentiation showed reduced AP-1 activity during commitment.
  • Sodium butyrate and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induced monocytic differentiation with increased AP-1 binding activity and proto-oncogene expression.
  • Retinoic acid-induced granulocytic differentiation did not enhance AP-1 binding activity.

Conclusions:

  • AP-1 formation is not essential for granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.
  • Increased AP-1 activity is correlated with the induction of monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells.
  • Differential regulation of AP-1 activity is critical for determining the lineage commitment of HL-60 cells.