K562 cells produce and respond to human erythroid-potentiating activity

Human erythroid-potentiating activity (EPA) is a 28,000 mol wt glycoprotein that stimulates the growth of erythroid progenitors in vitro and enhances colony formation by the K562 human erythroleukemia cell line. EPA has potent protease inhibitory activity, and is also referred to as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). We observed that colony formation by K562 cells in semi-solid medium containing reduced fetal calf serum (FCS) is not directly proportional to the number of cells plated, suggesting production of autostimulatory factors by K562 cells. Using radioimmunoprecipitation and a bioassay for EPA, medium conditioned by K562 cells was found to contain high levels of biologically active EPA; Northern hybridization analysis confirmed the expression of EPA mRNA. Radiolabeled EPA was used to identify cell surface receptors on K562 cells. Together, these results suggest that EPA may act as an autocrine growth factor for K562 cells.     

Monoclonal antibodies against the human leukemia cell line K 562

Three monoclonal antibodies raised against K 562, a cell line originally established from a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in terminal blast crisis, were selected according to their distinct reaction pattern. Whereas two antibodies (ZIK-C1-A/C5 and ZIK-C1-A/H5 also designated C and H) recognized antigens, present on K 562 cells and other immature and mature hematopoietic cells (cell lines and normal blood and bone marrow cells), antibody ZIK-C1-A/D9 also designated Y showed an exclusive binding to K 562 cells. The results obtained (here and in the following paper) indicate, that antibody ZIK-C1-A/D9 defines an early differentiation antigen of hematopoiesis or a leukemia-associated antigen.     

Constitutive expression of platelet glycoproteins by the human leukemia cell line K562

The human leukemia cell line K562 was derived from a patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia. This cell line has subsequently been shown to possess phenotypic markers typical of erythroid and myeloid cells. Using a rabbit antiserum directed against purified platelet glycoproteins (PGPs), we have obtained evidence for the constitutive expression of PGPs on the surface of K562 cells. PGPs expressed have been tentatively identified as IIa and III based on their apparent migration in a 7% sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel. K562 may become an important tool for the study of early events involved in megakaryocytic differentiation.     

Production of erythroid-potentiating activity by a human T-lymphoblast cell line.

We derived a human T-lymphoblast cell line (Mo) that constitutively elaborates certain lymphokines. The Mo cells produce a colony-stimulating factor necessary for the growth of human granulocyte-monocyte precursors in vitro as well as an erythroid-potentiating activity (EPA) that enhances the proliferation of human erythroid progenitors in vitro. In the presence of serum, the EPA in Mo-conditioned medium stimulated the growth of small and large erythroid colonies almost 2-fold. EPA was also produced in serum-free medium, and, when assayed in serum-free cultures of human erythroid progenitors, it stimulated colony growth about 3-fold. The EPA produced by the Mo cell line did not stimulate normal murine erythroid progenitors (CFU-E) or Friend erythroleukemia cell growth in vitro. EPA was inactivated by protease treatment but was remarkably heat stable, with most of the activity recovered after boiling for 15 min. Preliminary biochemical characterization suggests that EPA is an acidic glycoprotein with molecular weight approximately 45,000. EPA is clearly separable from colony-stimulating factor on the basis of heat stability and gel-filtration chromatography. The present observations provide strong support for the concept that activated T cells produce humoral factors important in the regulation of erythropoiesis. The availability of a cell line producing human EPA should facilitate the characterization of the protein and permit definitive studies of its biologic effects.     

Differing responses of globin and glycophorin gene expression to hemin in the human leukemia cell line K562

The human leukemia cell line, K562, produces embryonic and fetal hemoglobins and glycophorin A, proteins normally associated only with erythroid cells. Hemoglobin accumulation is enhanced by exposure of the cells to 0.05 mM hemin. We have examined K562 cells before and after exposure to hemin to determine whether expression of these erythroid proteins was shared by all cells or confined to specific subpopulations. Globin gene expression was examined by quantitation of globin mRNA sequences, using a 3H-globin cDNA molecular hybridization probe. Constitutive cells produced globin mRNA, the content of which was increased 3-4-fold by hemin. Cell-to-cell distribution of globin mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization of 3H-globin cDNA to constitutive and hemin-treated K562 cells. Virtually all cells in the culture exhibited grain counts above background, indicating globin gene expression by all cells, rather than a confined subpopulation. Virtually all hemin-treated cells had 3-5-fold higher grain counts, indicating uniformly increased globin gene expression. The glycophorin content of K562 cells was estimated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of cells labeled with fluorescein-labeled antiglycophorin antiserum. The vast majority of constitutive cells contained glycophorin, but exhibited to apparent increase in glycophorin accumulation after hemin exposure. Thus, glycophorin and globin genes exhibited differential responses to hemin. These differences could reflect normal differences in the patterns of specialized gene expression in stem cells. Alternatively, different aberrations of gene expression could be occurring in response to the determinants of the neoplastic properties of K562.     

运用siRNA抑制K562细胞中端粒酶逆转录酶基因表达的研究

目的建立利用小分子干扰RNA(siRNA)技术抑制白血病细胞系K562细胞中端粒酶活性的方法,为肿瘤的基因治疗提供理论依据。方法设计端粒酶逆转录酶(hTERT)基因特异性siRNA,用体外转录方法合成hTERT基因的siRNA并转染K562细胞,培养48小时后,收集细胞,应用实时荧光定量RT-PCR和western blot方法检测转染细胞中hTERT基因mRNA水平和蛋白表达量的变化,并运用TRAP ELISA方法检测细胞内端粒酶活性的变化。结果转染siRNA后,与对照组相比,实验组hTERT mRNA水平和蛋白表达量明显降低,抑制率分别为75％和60％,同时。TRAP ELISA方法检测发现实验组端粒酶活性仅为对照组活性的45％。结论hTERT siRNA能特异性的抑制hTERT基因的表达,降低端粒酶活性,因此运用siRNA来抑制hTERT的表达可达到降低端粒酶活性的效果。     

叠氮胸苷诱导人类慢性粒细胞白血病细胞株K562凋亡的研究

目的观察叠氮胸苷（AZT）对人类慢性粒细胞白血病细胞株K562增殖的抑制作用,探讨其治疗白血病的可行性。方法以不同浓度AZT处理K562细胞,用四氮甲唑蓝实验测定AZT作用于细胞株48 h的IC50,瑞氏染色观察细胞凋亡形态学变化,流式细胞仪检测细胞周期变化,Annexin-V/PI双染法分析细胞凋亡比例。结果AZT对K562细胞株有明显增殖抑制作用,且抑制作用呈时间与浓度依赖性增长;AZT处理48 h后可见细胞凋亡形态学变化及白血病细胞株S期比例增大;Annexin V/PI双染法显示早期凋亡细胞比例增大。结论AZT有诱导白血病细胞凋亡的作用。     

The role of folates in the development of methotrexate resistance in human leukemia cell line K562

The effect of reduced and oxidized folates on the development of methotrexate (MTX) resistance has been examined in human leukemia cell line K562 (K562/S). K562/S cells were made resistant to MTX by soft-agar cloning either in RPMI-1640 medium (K562/MTX-PGA) or in folic-acid-free RPMI-1640 medium containing 10 nM leucovorin (K562/MTX-LV). The optimal concentrations of leucovorin for the growth of K562/S, K562/MTX-PGA and K562/MTX-LV cells were 1 nM, 5 nM and 10 nM respectively. K562/MTX-PGA cells were 24-fold resistant to MTX as noted by impaired MTX transport. In contrast, K562/MTX-LV cells were 26-fold resistant to MTX as noted by gene amplification of dihydrofolate reductase. Furthermore cross-resistance to cytosine arabinoside was only demonstrated in K562/MTX-PGA, while the K562/MTX-LV cells showed no significant cross-resistance to cytosine arabinoside. These results suggest that the type and level of folates used during the development of MTX resistance may play a role in the mechanism for MTX resistance. Leukemia cells that are grown in leucovorin might serve as a model for acquired MTX resistance in vivo.     

The effect of glucosylceramide synthase on P-glycoprotein function in K562/AO2 leukemia drug-resistance cell line

Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) and multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) are co-overexpressed in drug-resistant leukemia cells. We hypothesized that GCS and MDR1 may interact. In this study, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the GCS or MDR1 gene in K562/AO2 drug-resistant cells. The sensitivity of cells to different treatments with doxorubicin was evaluated. We used Taqman probe fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR, and detected expression of GCS and MDR1 mRNAs in different interfering groups. Intracellular mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), which represents rhodamine123 (rh123) retention, was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). An MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of doxorubicin of K562/AO2 cells (138.25 ± 3.75 μg/ml) was significantly higher than that of K562 drug-sensitive cells (2.125 ± 0.125 μg/ml), and that IC50 was evidently lower in K562/AO2 cells, whether it was transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting GCS (GCSsiRNA) or one targeting MDR1 (MDR1siRNA). Compared with untreated K562/AO2 cells, the inhibition rates of GCS mRNA in the cells transfected with GCSsiRNA for 9 and 36 h were 56.67 ± 9.29% (p < 0.05) and 74 ± 6.38% (p < 0.05), respectively. Interestingly, the expression of MDR1 mRNA was also inhibited to 51.7 ± 4.5% (p < 0.05) 36 h after transfection with GCSsiRNA, but there was no significant difference in MDR1 expression at 9 h post-transfection in cells treated with GCSsiRNA and a negative control. It is well known that rh123 retention in cells results from an efflux function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In K562 cells, rh123 retention was much higher than in K562/AO2 cells (p < 0.01). We also noted that rh123 retention in the K562/AO2 cells transfected with GCSsiRNA for 48 h was significantly higher than in the negative control group. In conclusion, we show in the present study that inhibition of the GCS gene affects the expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp function.     

Synergistic cytotoxicity of AZT plus alpha and gamma interferon in chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562*

Abstract: We have previously reported that the antineoplastic activity of 3′ -azido 3′ deoxythymidine (AZT) can be increased by drugs that inhibit “de novo” thymidylate synthesis, such as 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate and hydroxyurea. In the present study we tested the combinations AZT + alpha interferon (IFN) and AZT + gamma IFN on in vitro growth of the human acute-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell line K562. After 72 hours incubation, not only AZT + α-IFN but also AZT + γ-IFN were synergistic in inhibiting K562 growth, as demonstrated by isobologram analysis of the data. This enhanced cytotoxicity was confirmed by the evaluation of [3H]AZT incorporation into cellular DNA, that was increased by 50% and 222% in the presence of α- and γ-IFN, respectively. The addition of 50 μmol/l thymidine to the culture medium was able to reduce the cytotoxicity of the drug combinations to the degree observed with each compound alone; furthermore, the increased incorporation of AZT into DNA was completely reversed. These data indicate the existence of a biochemical interaction between AZT and IFNs that results in an increased cytotoxic effect. While the combination AZT + α-IFN is currently being tested in HIV-related malignancies, AZT + γ-IFN is new and deserves further study in human CML acute and chronic phase models, in view of possible clinical applications.     

Smad7在人慢性髓细胞白血病细胞株K562中的表达

目的：观察人慢性髓细胞白血病细胞株K562中Smad7基因和蛋白的表达；探讨转化生长因子(TGF—β1）mad7的诱导作用。方法：采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应、蛋白印迹法方法检测K562细胞与TGF-1共育前后Smad7 mRNA蛋白表达水平。结果：K562细胞中具有Smad7的表达，且可由外源性TGF-β1短暂诱导，Smad7的表达及变化在转录及翻译水平上基本保持一致。结论：Smad7参与K562细胞TGF-β信号的传导，Smad7与TGF-β1之间存在自身调节负反馈通路。     

Isolation and characterization of a K562 cell line resistant to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine-mediated erythroid induction

The isolation of a K562 cell line, K562(S)R, resistant to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C)-mediated erythroid induction, is described. Ara-C (10-50 microM) inhibits cell growth of K562(S)R cells but is not able to activate the program of erythroid induction. This failure is associated with the lack in the increase of accumulation of epsilon-globin and gamma-globin mRNA sequences in ara-C-treated K562(S)R cells. This cell line could be of interest for studies focused on molecular mechanisms of activation of globin genes in K562 cells.     

Embryonic erythroid differentiation in the human leukemic cell line K562.

K562 human leukemia cells synthesize embryonic hemoglobins after culture in the presence of hemin. We have rigorously identified these hemoglobins by globin chain analysis and peptide mapping. No adult hemoglobin could be detected, and beta-globin synthesis was less than 2 ppm of total protein synthesis. Persistent embryonic globin gene expression is known to occur as a consequence of globin gene deletions. However, restriction endonuclease mapping showed that the globin gene complexes in K562 cells are indistinguishable from normal. Hemin increased the rate of embryonic globin synthesis. The pattern of hemoglobin synthesis proved to be stable when cells from different laboratories were compared. One line, however, synthesized large amounts of Hb X and very little Hb Portland in response to hemin. Hb X has been previously detected in human embryos; we show here that it has the composition epsilon 2 gamma 2 and is diagnostic of imbalanced chain synthesis or "zeta thalassemia." We have identified several agents that induce hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells. Different inducers induced different patterns of embryonic hemoglobin synthesis but never any adult hemoglobin synthesis.     

硒化壳聚糖对K562/ADM细胞生物学行为的影响

目的观察硒化壳聚糖对体外培养慢性粒细胞多药耐药白血病细胞株K562/阿霉素(ADM)细胞生物学行为的影响。方法硒化壳聚糖作用于体外培养的K562/ADM细胞12、24 h,应用流式细胞法检测细胞凋亡,软件拟合计算细胞周期;应用免疫印迹法检测P-糖蛋白(P-gp)的表达;应用RT-PCR法检测MDR-1 mRNA水平。结果硒化壳聚糖能够明显增强ADM对K562/ADM细胞的诱导凋亡作用,阻滞细胞周期于G1期(P<0.05,P<0.01),下调P-gp表达和MDR-1 mRNA水平(P<0.05,P<0.01),硒化壳聚糖浓度越高,作用效果越显著。结论硒化壳聚糖能够通过下调MDR-1基因和P-gp表达,阻滞细胞周期于G1期来诱导细胞凋亡,进而对体外培养的K562/ADM细胞耐药生物学行为产生逆转。     

Hormonal effects on cell proliferation in a human erythroleukemia cell line (K562)

We have investigated the hormonal responsiveness of K562 cells using a serum-substituted in vitro clonogenic assay. Dexamethasone inhibited colony formation by the K562 cells, and the inhibitory effect could be reversed by progesterone (10(-6) M). Fluoxymesterone caused a prominent enhancement of K562 colony growth, whereas estriol had no effect. Stimulation by triiodothyronine was maximal at 10(-7) M, and the thyroid effect could be abrogated by the beta 2-adrenergic antagonist butoxamine in equimolar concentrations. Using standard tissue culture conditions, the beta-adrenergic agent isoproterenol, but not the alpha catecholamine phenylephrine, enhanced the proliferation of K562 cells. When K562 cells were grown under hormone-depleted conditions, they developed responsiveness to phenylephrine and were no longer stimulated by isoproterenol. DbcAMP and prostaglandins of the E series also caused K562 colony enhancement. Prostaglandin F2 alpha had no effect on cell proliferation. Insulin was an effective stimulant of colony formation of K562 cells, as were human growth hormone and ovine prolacin. Bovine growth hormone had no effect. Our results are consistent with the identificaiton of K562 as an erythroid line, and they indicate that K562 cells respond to endocrine hormones in a manner analogous to normal erythroid progenitors.     

白藜芦醇对白血病K562细胞增殖、凋亡的影响及机制探讨

目的 探讨白藜芦醇对白血病K562细胞生长的影响及相关作用机制.方法 用不同浓度白藜芦醇作用于K562细胞,CCK-8法观察白藜芦醇对K562细胞生长增殖的影响,AnnexinV-FITC/PI双染法观察白藜芦醇对K562细胞凋亡的影响,PI染色法观察白藜芦醇对K562细胞周期的影响,Western blot法检测K562细胞中的Bcl-2、Bcl-xl、Bax、Cyclin D1蛋白.结果 白藜芦醇作用后的K562细胞的增殖被抑制并且凋亡增加,呈时间-剂量依赖性;同时,凋亡相关分子Bcl-2、Bcl-xl表达下调,Bax表达上调;白藜芦醇作用K562细胞后,G1期细胞增多,S期细胞减少,细胞周期调节蛋白Cyclin D1表达下降.结论 白藜芦醇可抑制K562细胞增殖并诱导其凋亡,其机制可能与下调细胞内Bcl-2、Bcl-xl、Cyclin D1表达并上调Bax的表达有关.