The relation between expression of PML-RAR alpha gene and effects of ATRA on proliferation and differentiation of NB4 cells

Objective: To study the relation between the PML-RAR alpha gene and the effects of ATRA on proliferation and differentiation in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4 cells.

Methods: ASODN-mediated inactivation of the PML-RAR alpha mRNA was measured by RT-PCR. The proliferation and differentiation of NB4 cells were determined by proliferation curve, morphology, CD antigen of membrane and NBT test. NB4 Cell cycle was analyzed by FACS.

Results: The inactivation of PML-RAR alpha mRNA by ASODN could egnhance the maturation effects and growth suppression of ATRA on NB4 cells. The percentage of S phase cell was decreased from 52% to 29%, and NBT rate increased. All suggest that the sensitivity of NB4 cell to ATRA was improved.

Conclusions: The PML-RAR alpha gene, as a molecular marker of APL, is responsible for pathogenesis of APL, and it also decreases the sensitivity of ATRA to APL cells.