In:
Acta Haematologica, S. Karger AG, Vol. 129, No. 4 ( 2013), p. 232-237
Abstract:
〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Introduction: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 The etiopathogenesis of childhood leukemia is not fully understood. It is suggested that endogenous viral sequences may play a role in leukemogenesis. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute about 8% of the human genome. Most HERVs are dysfunctional because of numerous mutations and deletions. Some HERVs, however, contain sequences capable of transcription. In patients with leukemia, the presence of antibodies against HERV-K has been identified, which could suggest increased expression of HERV-K in leukemic cells. To elucidate the role of endogenous retroviruses in leukemogenesis, studies were undertaken to assess 〈 i 〉 env 〈 /i 〉 gene expression of HERV-K and HERV-W in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 This study was performed in 170 children with ALL, 38 subjects with AML, and 30 healthy subjects. Expression of the 〈 i 〉 env 〈 /i 〉 gene of HERV-K and HERV-W and the control gene 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 was studied by real-time PCR using specific oligonucleotide primers and SYBR Green marker. 〈 i 〉 Env 〈 /i 〉 gene expression was assessed on the basis of the absolute threshold-C 〈 sub 〉 t 〈 /sub 〉 , as well as normalized against 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 expression and double normalized expression relative to 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 and reference cells – normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). 〈 i 〉 Env 〈 /i 〉 gene expression of HERV-K normalized against 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 , as well as double normalized expression relative to 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 and normal PBL, was significantly higher only in AML. There were no statistically significant differences in 〈 i 〉 env 〈 /i 〉 gene expression of HERV-W normalized to 〈 i 〉 ACTB 〈 /i 〉 in ALL and AML as compared to normal PBL. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 High normalized expression of the 〈 i 〉 env 〈 /i 〉 gene of HERV-K in AML strongly suggests a possible contribution of this gene in the pathogenesis of AML.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0001-5792
,
1421-9662
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1481888-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
80008-9
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