• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.319-329
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• 2023

Resistance to hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a concerning problem. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key cell cycle modulator and is known to be associated with an activation of the PI3K pathway, which is related to the stabilization of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), a target of HMAs. We investigated the effects of volasertib on HMA-resistant cell lines (MOLM/AZA-1 and MOLM/DEC-5) derived from MOLM-13, and bone marrow (BM) samples obtained from patients with MDS (BM blasts >5%) or AML evolved from MDS (MDS/AML). Volasertib effectively inhibited the proliferation of HMA-resistant cells with suppression of DNMTs and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK pathways. Volasertib also showed significant inhibitory effects against primary BM cells from patients with MDS or MDS/AML, and the effects of volasertib inversely correlated with DNMT3B expression. The DNMT3B-overexpressed AML cells showed primary resistance to volasertib treatment. Our data suggest that volasertib has a potential role in overcoming HMA resistance in patients with MDS and MDS/AML by suppressing the expression of DNMT3 enzymes and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK pathways. We also found that DNMT3B overexpression might be associated with resistance to volasertib.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3785-3792
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• 2015

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (CEBPA) is a transcriptional factor that plays a crucial role in the control of proliferation and differentiation of myeloid precursors. This gene was recognized as the target of genetic alterations and were associated with clinical complexity among AML. We here analyze the frequency and types of CEBPA mutations and polymorphisms in a de novo AML patients from South India and tried to find out associations of these variations with different clinical parameters and the prognostic significance in AML. Study was carried out in 248 de novo AML patients, cytogenetic analysis was performed from the bone marrow samples and was karyotyped. PCR-SSCP analysis and sequencing was performed for the detection of CEBPA gene variations. All the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17 (statistical package for social sciences) software. Pearson Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log rank tests were performed. CEBPA mutations were detected in 18% and CEBPA polymorphisms were detected in 18.9% of AML cases studied. Most of the mutations occured at the C terminal region. Polymorphisms were detected in both N and C terminal region. with most common being, c.584_589dup ACCCGC and c.690G>T. A significant association was not observed for the mutation and polymorphism with respect to clinical and laboratory parameters. Survival advantage was observed for the mutated cases compared to non mutated cases, especially for the normal karyotype groups. Polymorphisms has no effect on the survival pattern of AML patients. CEBPA mutation and polymorphisms were observed with similar frequency and was identified in all the FAB subtypes as well as in cytogenetic risk groups in our study population, but CEBPA mutations alone confer a prognostic value for NK AML patients.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.126-138
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• 2020

The transcription factor RUNX1 first came to prominence due to its involvement in the t(8;21) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since this discovery, RUNX1 has been shown to play important roles not only in leukemia but also in the ontogeny of the normal hematopoietic system. Although it is currently still challenging to fully assess the different parameters regulating RUNX1 dosage, it has become clear that the dose of RUNX1 can greatly affect both leukemia and normal hematopoietic development. It is also becoming evident that varying levels of RUNX1 expression can be used as markers of tumor progression not only in the hematopoietic system, but also in non-hematopoietic cancers. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the effects of RUNX1 dosage in normal development of both hematopoietic and epithelial tissues and their associated cancers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6399-6402
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• 2013

Hematological malignancies (HM) are a group of neoplasms derived from the cells of the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Genetic factors leading to susceptibility to HM have been investigated for years but little is known yet. Low molecular weight polypeptide (LMP) 2 and LMP7 genes are important subunits of the immunoproteasome and play significant role in antigen presentation. The polymorphisms of LMP genes have been reported to be risk factors for various types of diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of LMP2 and LMP7 polymorphisms with the occurrence of particular types of HM. A total of 132 patients with HM and 130 control subjects were investigated. No significant difference was obtained in the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of LMP7 gene in HM patients and the control group. On the other hand, the prevalence of LMP2-AA genotype was found to be higher in acute myeolid leukemia (AML) patients while it was significantly lower in multiple myeloma (MM) cases than in the control subjects. Our results suggested that LMP7 could not be a risk factor for susceptibility to HM, whereas LMP2 polymorphisms could play a role in the development of AML and MM.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.266-270
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• 2015

Over the last decade, comprehensive genome-wide sequencing studies have enabled us to find out unexpected genetic alterations of metabolism in cancer. An example is the identification of arginine missense mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenases-1 and -2 (IDH1/2) in glioma, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chondrosarcomas, and cholangiocarcinoma. These alterations are closely associated with the production of a new stereospecific metabolite, (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG). A large number of follow-up studies have been performed to address the molecular mechanisms of IDH1/2 mutations underlying how these events contribute to malignant transformation. In the meanwhile, the development of selective mutant IDH1/2 chemical inhibitors is being actively pursued in the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry. The present review article briefly discusses the important findings that highlight the molecular mechanisms of IDH1/2 mutations in cancer and provides a current status for development of selective mutant IDH1/2 chemical inhibitors. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(5): 266-270]

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.80-87
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• 2006

Leukemias are common worldwide. Wilms'tumor1 (WT1) protein is highly expressed in leukemic blast cells of myeloid and lymphoid origin. Thus, WT1 mRNA serves as a tumor marker for leukemias detection and monitoring disease progression. Curcumin is well known for its anticancer property. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on WT1 gene expression in patient leukemic cells. The leukemic cells were collected from 70 childhood leukemia patients admitted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in the period July 2003 to February 2005. There were 58 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 10 cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), and 2 cases of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). There were 41 males and 29 females ranging from 1 to 15 years old. Leukemic cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 10 mM curcumin for 48 h. WT1 mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR. The result showed that curcumin reduced WT1 gene expression in the cells from 35 patients (50%). It affected the WT1 gene expression in 4 of 8 relapsed cases (50%), 12 of 24 cases of drug maintenance (50%), 7 of 16 cases of completed treatment (44%), and 12 of 22 cases of new patients (54%). The basal expression levels of WT1 gene in leukemic patient cells as compared to that of K562 cells were classified as low level (1-20%) in 6 of 20 cases (30%), medium level (21-60%) in 12 of 21 cases (57%), and high level (61-100%) in 17 of 23 cases (74%). In summary, curcumin decreased WT1 mRNA in patient leukemic cells. Thus, curcumin treatment may provide a lead for clinical treatment in leukemic patients in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.12-26
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) on PMA-differentiated human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells. Methods: Cells were treated with various concentrations of RVS decoction (0-300㎍/ml) for 24, 48, and 72h. Cell viability was evaluated by MTS/PMS assay. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and proteins were measured using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: RVS suppressed expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA. It also down-regulated iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. RVS inhibited NF-𝜅B p65 activity and the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK (ERK and p38 MAPK). Instead, the phosphorylation of JNK is increased at a very low concentration but decreased at higher concentrations. Conclusion: RVS is regarded to inhibit the expression of MMP and TIMP as well as iNOS and COX-2 gene expression via directly inhibiting the activation of NF-𝜅B and phosphorylation of MAPK pathway in THP-1 cells. This suggests RVS have potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2707-2712
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• 2015

Background: The human homologue of the mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene is a negative regulator of Tp53. MDM2-309T>G a functional promoter polymorphism was found to be associated with overexpression thereby attenuation of Tp53 stress response and increased cancer susceptibility. We have planned to evaluate the possible role of MDM2-309T>G polymorphism with risk and response to chemotherapy in AML. Materials and Methods: A total of 223 de novo AML cases and 304 age and sex matched healthy controls were genotyped for the MDM2-309T>G polymorphism through the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR method. In order to assess the functional relationship of -309T>G SNP with MDM2 expression level, we quantified MDM2 mRNA in 30 primary AML blood samples through quantitative RT-PCR. Both the (-309T>G) genotypes and the MDM2 expression were correlated with disease free survival (DFS) rates among patients who have achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. Results: MDM2-309T>G polymorphism was significantly associated with AML development (p<0.0001). The presence of either GG genotype or G allele at MDM2-309 confered 1.79 (95% CI: 1.12-2.86; p<0.001) and 1.46 fold (95%CI: 1.14-1.86; p= 0.003) increased AML risk. Survival analysis revealed that CR+ve cases with GG genotype had significantly increased DFS rates (16months, p=0.05) compared to CR+ve TT (11 months) and TG (9 months) genotype groups. Further, MDM2 expression was also found to be significantly elevated in GG genotype patients (p=0.0039) and among CR+ve cases (p=0.0036). Conclusions: The MDM2-309T>G polymorphism might be involved in AML development and also serve as a good prognostic indicator.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.575-578
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• 2012

Objective: To study the incidence, types and distribution pattern of malignant tumors in renal transplant recipients at a single center in Pakistan. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) and included all transplant patients on regular follow-up from November 1986 to December 2008. The original biopsy reports and case files of all patients who developed posttransplant malignancies were reviewed and relevant demographic, clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were retrieved and analyzed. SPSS version 10.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Over 22 years of study period, 1816 renal transplants were carried out at our center. Among these, 44 patients developed malignancies constituting an overall incidence rate of 2.4%. All patients in this study were males with a mean age of $34.9{\pm}9.5$ years (range: 9 to 60 years). The most common type of malignancy was lymphoma (27 patients, 61.4%), followed by Kaposi's sarcoma (11 patients, 25%) and skin malignancies (3 patients, 6.8%). One case each of adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), conjunctival carcinoma-in-situ and seminoma were also diagnosed. Conclusion: Posttransplant malignancies occurring in our renal transplant recipients show different incidence rates and patterns as compared with western studies.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.461-465
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• 2008

IL-18 production may enhance immune system defense against KG-1 cells ; NB4 cells, which are associated with good prognosis, do not produce IL-18. In this study, we treated KG-1 cells with IL-18 and used microarray technology to assess subsequent effects on gene expression. In UniGene-array of 7488 human genes, expression of 57 genes, including stress related genes, increased at least 2-fold, whereas expression of 48 genes decreased at least 2-fold. Following exogenous exposure of KG-1 cells to IL-18, expression of CRYGC, $NF{\kappa}BIA$ and NACA gene were monitored. The latter is a transcriptional coactivator potentiating c-Jun-mediated transcription.$NF{\kappa}BIA$ is an inhibitor of $NF{\kappa}B$, and affects growth regulation, apoptosis and hypoxic stress. Studies, such as this one, are beginning to clarify the differences between cells associated with good and bad cancer prognoses, which may ultimately assist in medical treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.