Expression of protooncogene c-myb in normal human hematopoietic cells

Expression of the protooncogene, c-myb, in various subpopulations of normal human hematopoietic cells was characterized. Cells expressing the immature cell surface marker, CD34 (My10), were isolated by immune adherence with the "panning" technique or immunomagnetic microspheres and were shown to be strongly positive for c-myb protein expression in an immunoperoxidase assay. The CD34+ progenitor cell population was further separated into myeloid plus erythroid progenitors (CD34+, CD10-) v B-lymphoid precursors (coexpressing CD34 and CD10) by two-color FACS. Both CD34+ progenitor cell subsets strongly expressed c-myb protein by the immunoperoxidase assay. A flow cytometric assay was then developed which permitted simultaneous detection of a cell-surface antigen (to characterize lineage and stage of maturation) and the nuclear oncoprotein. This assay confirmed that CD34+ cells were strongly positive for c-myb expression and also allowed quantitative comparisons of c-myb expression in selected populations of other normal hematopoietic cells. Most human bone marrow cells appear to express some level of c-myb protein, although the CD34+ progenitor cell population expresses the highest amount.     

Expression and function of beta-adrenergic receptors in human hematopoietic cell lines.

We investigated the expression and functional characteristics of beta-adrenoceptors in a panel of 10 phenotypically different human hematopoietic cell lines. A binding assay with [125I]iodocyanopindolol as the ligand revealed that cell lines of myelomonocytic or histiocytic derivation (HL-60, ML-2, RC-2A, U-937) expressed high numbers of beta-adrenoceptors. An intermediate density of receptors was found in a non-T, non-B cell leukemia line (Nall-1), whereas T-cell (JM, CCRF-CEM), B-cell (Raji) or erythroleukemic cell lines (K-562, HEL) displayed minimal or undetectable binding of the radioligand. Isoprenaline-stimulated cAMP production by the cells correlated to their extent of beta-adrenoceptor expression. Southern blot hybridization analysis of genomic DNA from the cell lines with a 32P-labelled beta 2-adrenoceptor cDNA probe revealed no evidence for major rearrangement or amplification of the receptor gene. Incubation with isoprenaline in vitro suppressed the proliferation of the receptor-rich RC-2A cells but did not affect the growth rate of the receptor-deficient K-562 cells. Treatment with propranolol slightly enhanced the proliferation of the RC-2A cells but did not markedly alter the growth rate of two other cell lines, regardless of their beta-adrenoceptor status. These findings indicate a regulatory influence by the sympathoadrenergic system on selected cells of the myelomonocytic lineage.     

Detection of cytoplasmic and surface membrane markers in cells of some human hematopoietic cell lines.

The cells of some human leukemia-lymphoma T cell lines (JURKAT, MOLT4), B cell lines (DAUDI, U-266) and of myeloid U-937 cell line were characterized for their surface membrane and cytoplasmic marker profiles. The usefulness of some fixation and permeabilization methods of cell membrane for detection of cytoplasmic markers by flow cytometry was studied. The methods of cell fixation in suspension were found to be more sensitive than the methods of cell fixation in smears. With the very short buffered formaldehyde-acetone (BFA) fixation used in this study an optimal penetration of the monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) through the plasma membrane and specific binding to the appropriate structures were achieved. CD22 antigen was detected in cytoplasm but not on membrane of DAUDI cells. In another B cell line, U-266, CD22 antigen was present both in cell membrane and cytoplasm. The marker corresponding to anti-CD19 MoAb was detected in cytoplasm but was absent on membrane of U-266 cells. Furthermore, the antigen estimated by anti-CD3 MoAb could be detected intracellularly in cells of both T cell lines tested, while it was absent on cell membrane of these cells. The phenotypic study of U-937 cells showed that the majority of cells expressed myeloid associated antigens. In our study the CD14 marker detected on cell surface membrane of U-937 cells was missing in their cytoplasm. The surface antigens remained intact after BFA fixation enabling a simultaneous detection of membrane and cytoplasmic markers in double immunofluorescence studies. Through this combination of markers minor cell populations could be detected. Human hematopoietic cell lines could serve as a reliable model system for a rapid and quantitative immunodiagnosis.     

Ricin binding and protein synthesis inhibition in human hematopoietic cell lines

Previous studies showed that human blood cells exhibited varying sensitivities to ricin. To investigate the basis for these differences, ricin binding to human hematopoietic cell lines was assessed and correlated with in vitro ricin sensitivities. Resistant mutants were also isolated and characterized. Ricin binding to CEM cells was rapid, time-dependent, and blocked by unlabeled ricin, but not albumin; ricin binding approached saturation at 3 mumol/L. Scatchard analyses showed multiple classes of binding sites, with maximum and minimum Kd values estimated at 1.5 x 10(-8) mol/L and 2.5 x 10(-7) mol/L. At 4 degrees C, membrane-bound ricin dissociated slowly from the cell surface in the presence of unlabeled ricin, but greater than 95% of the surface-bound ricin was removed with 0.1 mol/L lactose. At 37 degrees C, ricin dissociated from the cell surface with biphasic kinetics. Ricin uptake at 37 degrees C increased linearly for 15 to 30 minutes and plateaued at levels representing 12% to 29% of the amount of ricin bound at 4 degrees C, depending on the cell line. Ricin binding at 4 degrees C varied two- to fivefold among hematopoietic cell lines and was reduced approximately tenfold by incubation with lactose. When compared with parent CEM cells, ricin-resistant CEM variants showed a greater than 95% reduction in ricin binding and showed no detectable binding with lactose added. However, these cells were as sensitive as parent CEM cells to an anti-T-cell ricin immunoconjugate. For all cells examined, there was a close correlation (r = +.9) between ricin bound per cell and in vitro ricin sensitivity. Human hematopoietic cells show widely varying ricin binding, indicating major differences in the carbohydrate content or structure of surface glycoproteins and glycolipids. These variations are probably the major determinant of nonspecific toxicity of ricin immunoconjugates.     

Distinct hematopoietic support by two human stromal cell lines

OBJECTIVE: The hematopoietic microenvironment is complex, and the role of myofibroblast in its function is crucial. In order to obtain a stable model reflecting this particular cell type, we have previously established human bone marrow cell lines from primary myofibroblastic Stro1(+) population (pStro1(+)). We placed HPV16 E6 and E7 expression under the control of different promoters. Here, we have characterized and studied the hematopoietic support for two cell lines corresponding to the promoters alpha-SM (alphaSM-56 line) and SV40 (SV40-56 line). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression profile was analyzed at the RNA level by gene array and at the protein level by Western blot, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Hematopoietic support determined using colony-forming unit (CFU) and stroma-adherent colony-forming cell (SA-CFC) assays. RESULTS: The phenotype of cell lines was not significantly modified compared with primary myofibroblastic cells. They secreted a broad spectrum of hematopoietic cytokines and nonspecific mediators. The two lines allowed the growth of hematopoietic precursors and had different support capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: We have extensively characterized two novel human bone marrow stromal cell lines. They retained a myofibroblastic phenotype and have substantial but different hematopoietic support capabilities. These lines provided a basis for determining stromal factors involved in stem-cell regulation.     

Expression of functional trk protooncogene in human monocytes.

There is increasing evidence that neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), exert specific effects on cells of the immune system in addition to their neurotrophic actions. This report shows that human monocytes express the trk protooncogene, encoding the signal-transducing receptor unit for NGF. This receptor is functional, since interaction of NGF with monocytes triggered a respiratory burst, the major component of monocyte cytotoxic activity. During in vitro differentiation of human blood monocytes to macrophages trk expression decreased, suggesting a maturation-dependent trk expression decreased, suggesting a maturation-dependent trk regulation. Treatment of monocytes with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, a potent activator of monocytes, stimulated trk mRNA synthesis in a time-dependent way, implying a modulatory role for NGF in immune functions. The finding that dibutyryl cAMP elicited a time-dependent trk induction in monocytes as well as in phorbol ester-differentiated promonocytic U937 cells indicates that adenylate cyclase is involved in monocytic trk regulation. These results suggest that NGF, in addition to its neurotrophic function, is an immunoregulatory cytokine acting on monocytes.     

Lineage-restricted expression of bone morphogenetic protein genes in human hematopoietic cell lines

To explore the possibility that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are autocrine/paracrine regulators of hematopoietic differentiation and function, we screened a panel of human cell lines encompassing the hematopoietic lineages for expression of members of this family of genes. Expression of BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, Growth and Differentiation Factor-1 (GDF-1), Placental Bone Morphogenetic Protein (PLAB), and Transforming Growth Factor-beta3 (TGF-beta3) was detected in one or more cell lines. BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-7, and TGF-beta3 expression was also found in normal hematopoietic tissue. Expression of BMP-5 and BMP-8 was not seen. Lineage-restricted patterns of expression were found for BMP-4 (T-lymphoid), BMP-7 (lymphoid), PLAB (macrophage/monocyte), and GDF-1 (myeloid). Expression of BMP-2, GDF-1, and PLAB could be modulated by treatment with differentiating agents. Marked variations in the levels of BMP-4, BMP-7, and PLAB expression were encountered, indicating that disorders in BMP signaling pathways may play a role in the development of hematopoietic neoplasia.     

Expression of the bcl-2 gene in human multiple myeloma cell lines and normal plasma cells.

The bcl-2 gene, encoding a mitochondrial membrane protein suggested to play an important role in cell survival, is translocated into the Ig loci in about 80% of human follicular lymphomas, which results in a high level of expression. This report shows that bcl-2 was expressed in eight of eight human multiple myeloma cell lines and in normal lymph node and bone marrow plasma cells. In the majority of the myeloma lines, the level of expression was comparable with that observed in Karpas 422, a follicular lymphoma cell line carrying a 14;18 translocation of the bcl-2 gene. DNA rearrangements of the bcl-2 locus were evident in only one of the myeloma cell lines, U-266-1970. In this cell line, which exhibited the highest bcl-2 expression, a fourfold increased copy number of the bcl-2 gene was estimated by Southern analysis. This amplification was lost in cells of later passages (U-266-1984), suggesting that bcl-2 might possibly have played a role in the tumor development in vivo. Our results are in contrast to previous observations in murine plasmacytoma, in which bcl-2 was shown to be silent. The results also contradict the published observation that bcl-2 is not expressed at terminal stages of B-cell differentiation. It is at present unclear whether the high expression of bcl-2 in human myeloma is the result of a deregulated expression associated with the malignant phenotype or a mere reflection of the bcl-2 expression typical of normal plasma cells.     

Antiproliferative effects of lipoxygenase inhibitors on malignant human hematopoietic cell lines

Eicosanoids regulate a wide spectrum of cellular processes including cell proliferation. We have shown previously that lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid modulate normal human hematopoiesis by in vitro colony assays. In this study we investigated the role of lipoxygenase metabolites in regulating the proliferation of several malignant hematopoietic cell lines, including K562 and EM-2 (chronic myelogenous leukemia blasts), HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia cells), and U937 (malignant histiocytes). Piriprost, a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, inhibits proliferation of these cell lines up to 95% with 50% cell inhibition at approximately 3 x 10(-5) M. Other less specific lipoxygenase inhibitors such as caffeic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and BW755C have similar activity in a [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay. In contrast, indomethacin, which is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, has no suppressive effect in these assays. Inhibition by these drugs is completely reversible. Several nonhematopoietic malignant cell lines do not appear to be affected by these drugs. Two specific lipoxygenase metabolites, leukotriene B4 and leukotriene D4, stimulate leukemia cell line proliferation to 150% of control levels when added directly to cell cultures. These data suggest that certain lipoxygenase products, perhaps leukotrienes, are critical for the proliferation of malignant hematopoietic cells in vitro.     

Expression of dipeptidylaminopeptidase-IV in some human T and B cell lines

The specificity of the expression of dipeptidylaminopeptidase-IV (DAP-IV) was examined in cells from leukemia patients and in 33 normal and leukemic human cell lines widely used in various studies. There was no correlation between DAP-IV activity and OKT4 positivity or maturation stage in T cells. In addition, DAP-IV was unexpectedly expressed by 4 B cell lines and 1 histiocytic lymphoma cell line, indicating either lack of specificity of DAP-IV or infidelity of gene expression under unnatural culture environment.     

Selection of retroviral vector producing cell lines and gene transfer into hematopoietic cells

Transduction and expression of a transgene in hematopoietic stem cells with retroviral vectors still remain major challenges for gene therapy in blood disorders. Use of an easily detectable gene marker, such as the nlsLacZ, at the laboratory and clinical levels, provides a powerful approach of these two combined problems.     

Selection of retroviral vector producing cell lines and gene transfer into hematopoietic cells

Transduction and expression of a transgene in hematopoietic stem cells with retroviral vectors still remain major challenges for gene therapy in blood disorders. Use of an easily detectable gene marker, such as the nlsLacZ, at the laboratory and clinical levels, provides a powerful approach of these two combined problems.     

Targeted gene transfer to human hematopoietic progenitor cell lines through the c-kit receptor

In this report, we describe a novel gene therapy approach for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells using a specific receptor-mediated gene transfection procedure to target c-kit+ cell lines. The vector consists of plasmid DNA containing a luciferase reporter gene that is condensed by electrostatic forces with polylysine (PL) covalently linked to streptavidin (binds biotinylated ligand) and PL covalently linked to adenovirus (AD; to achieve endosomal lysis) with the final addition of biotinylated steel factor (SLF-biotin). Targeted transfection of growth factor-dependent hematopoietic progenitor cell lines that express c-kit showed specific luciferase gene expression over cell lines that did not express c-kit. This effect was dependent on the dose of SLF-biotin and was competed by excess SLF or with monoclonal antibodies that recognize c-kit and block the binding of SLF to its receptor. Maximum transfection efficiency (> 90%) requires a 2- hour incubation period of the vector with the cells, and maximum gene expression occurred 30 hours later. Removal of the endosomalytic agent, AD, from the vector resulted in the loss of gene expression. Vector targeting was versatile and could be changed by the addition of other biotinylated ligands. In principle, this vector should be broadly applicable to deliver genes to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo.     

Endothelial and hematopoietic cell fate of human embryonic stem cells

The endothelial cells, lining the inside of blood vessels, and the blood-forming hematopoietic cells play crucial roles in vasculogenesis. The establishment of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a unique tool to study the early development of endothelial and hematopoietic cells, opening new avenues of research to explore organ vascularization and regeneration. The current study demonstrates that a population of intermediate-stage precursors, which possesses primitive endothelial properties during hESC differentiation, is capable of giving rise to endothelial and hematopoietic cells. Single cell analysis reveals that these primitive endothelial-like precursors contain rare bipotent cells with hemangioblast properties, responsible for both endothelial and hematopoietic cell fates. These findings will facilitate the further study of cellular commitment, lineage restriction, and terminal differentiation of endothelial and hematopoietic compartments and may lead to novel regenerative therapies.