Research conducted at University of Saskatchewan has provided new information about leukemia

03-28-2007

Data detailed in "RIZ1 repression is associated with insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling activation in chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines" have been presented. According to recent research published in the journal Oncogene, "RIZ1 is a histone methyltransferase whose expression and activity are reduced in many cancers. In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), blastic transformation is associated with loss of heterozygosity in the region where RIZ1 is located and with decreased RIZ1 expression."

"Forced RIZ1 expression in model CML blast crisis (BC) cell lines decreases proliferation, increases apoptosis and enhances differentiation. We characterized molecular mechanisms that may contribute to potential CML tumor suppressor properties of RIZ1. Several RIZ1-regulated genes involved in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling were identified using cDNA microarrays. RIZ1 was shown to associate with promoter regions of IGF-1 and to increase histone H3 lysine 9 methylation using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. IGF-1-blocking antibody was used to demonstrate the importance of autocrine IGF-1 signaling in CML-BC cell line viability. Forced RIZ1 expression in CML-BC cell lines decreases IGF-1 receptor activation and activation of downstream signaling components extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT," wrote E. Pastural and colleagues, University of Saskatchewan.

The researchers concluded: "These results highlight the therapeutic potential of inhibiting IGF-1 pathway in the acute phase of CML."

Pastural and colleagues published their study in Oncogene (RIZ1 repression is associated with insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling activation in chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines. Oncogene, 2007;26(11):1586-94).

For additional information, contact E. Pastural, University of Saskatchewan, Genomic Medicine and Pathobiology Group and Dept. of Pathology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Oncogene is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.