Molecular mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy

Pressure overload induces cardiac hypertrophy and reexpression of contractile protein isogenes. To ascertain the molecular mechanism of these events, we examined the expression of cellular oncogenes and the early change in the translational activity of specific cardiac mRNA by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of in vitro translational products. Pressure overload increased the expression levels of c-fos, c-myc, and c-Ha-ras genes. The relative predominance of 8 species out of over 400 translational products was increased by pressure overload while that of 2 translational products was decreased. We cloned four pressure-overload-responsive cDNA clones by differential dot blot hybridization. The expression pattern of each cDNA clone in the pressure-overloaded hearts was similar to that in fetal hearts. To examine whether mechanical stimuli directly induce specific gene expression in the heart, we cultured rat neonatal cardiocytes in elastic silicone dishes and stretched these adherent cells. Myocytes stretching stimulated amino acid uptake and expression of the c-fos gene, which was blocked by protein kinase C inhibitors. These results suggest that there are some early responsive genes in cardiac hypertrophy and that mechanical loading directly stimulates gene expression possibly via protein kinase C activation.     

Cellular analysis of c-Ha-ras gene expression in rat liver after CCl4 administration

Expression of the c-Ha-ras proto-oncogene is specifically enhanced during liver regeneration, in parallel with increased DNA replication, which suggests that c-Ha-ras may play a role in the control of regeneration. In this study, an in situ hybridization technique was applied for analysis of expression of the c-Ha-ras gene at the cellular level during liver regeneration induced by CCl4 administration. The in situ hybridization was compared with the observation for the p21c-Ha-ras protein, the corresponding protein of the c-Ha-ras gene, by immunohistochemistry. In normal rat liver, a few hepatocytes expressed the mRNAs and the corresponding proteins without any preferential localization. Zonal heterogeneity of c-Ha-ras gene expression first became evident at 12 hr after CCl4 administration, a higher number of gene products being detected in the pericentral zone than in the periportal zone. This heterogeneity became maximal at 24 hr after CCl4 administration. Zonal heterogeneity in the level of the p21c-Ha-ras protein paralleled that in the level of gene expression. Furthermore, both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells participated in expression of the c-Ha-ras gene during liver regeneration.     

Constitutive expression of growth-related mRNAs in proliferating and nonproliferating lung epithelial cells in primary culture: evidence for growth-dependent translational control.

We describe the control of proliferation and growth-related gene expression in primary cultures of epithelial cells derived from rat lung. Type 2 epithelial cells line the gas-exchange surface of the alveoli where they produce and secrete surfactant. When isolated from adult animals, type 2 cells do not proliferate in culture, although they have a limited ability to do so in vivo. We show that type 2 cells isolated from neonatal rats proliferate in culture and that growth can be reversibly arrested by withdrawing serum from the medium. We studied the expression of five genes whose mRNA levels fluctuate with the state of proliferation in several cell systems: the c-myc and c-Ha-ras protooncogenes and the genes encoding actin, ornithine decarboxylase (L-ornithine carboxy-lyase, EC 4.1.1.17), and histone 3.2. All five mRNAs were constitutively expressed at identical levels in proliferating and nonproliferating (serum deprived) neonatal cells and in adult cells. Thus, at the level of mRNA abundance, the expression of these five genes was uncoupled from the growth state of the cells. By contrast, synthesis of the replication-dependent histones and the activity of ornithine decarboxylase were detectable only in proliferating neonatal cells and not in serum-deprived neonatal cells or in adult cells. The results suggest that, in type 2 cells, growth factors might regulate the translation, rather than the mRNA abundance, of at least some growth-related genes and that the ability to respond to this translational control may be developmentally regulated.     

Suppression of tumorigenicity with continued expression of the c-Ha-ras oncogene in EJ bladder carcinoma-human fibroblast hybrid cells.

A human tumor cell line (EJ) expressing an activated c-Ha-ras oncogene was fused with a normal human fibroblast cell line. This fusion resulted in hybrids that behaved as transformed cells in culture but failed to form tumors in nude (athymic) mice. After repeated cell passage, two tumorigenic segregants of the hybrids arose in culture. The levels of expression of activated c-Ha-ras mRNA and its protein product, p21, were similar in the EJ cell line, the nontumorigenic hybrids, and the tumorigenic segregants. DNA transfections of the hybrids were performed with activated c-Ha-ras plasmid constructs, and transfectants expressing a 2-fold level of c-Ha-ras relative to the hybrid cells were found to maintain the nontumorigenic phenotype. We suggest that expression of the active c-Ha-ras oncogene is insufficient for the malignant transformation of these human cells.     

叶酸对健康人外周血单个核细胞肿瘤相关基因甲基化状态的影响

目的 探讨叶酸干预对健康人外周血单个核细胞中肿瘤相关基因启动子甲基化状态的影响.方法 健康志愿者10人,均分为2组,分别口服叶酸5 mg或安慰剂,每日1次,连续3个月.于干预前后,以化学发光酶免疫分析试剂盒测定血清叶酸浓度,亚硫酸氢钠测序PCR(BSP)技术分别检测癌基因c-myc、c-Ha-ras,抑癌基因E-cadherin、p16INK4A和错配修复基因hMLH1的启动子甲基化状态.结果 叶酸干预后,干预组血清叶酸水平显著升高(T=-4.739,P<0.05),而对照组无明显变化.叶酸干预3个月后,癌基因c-myc启动子甲基化率分别从干预前的4%、服用1周时的3.3%、服用1个月时的4.1%增加到8%(t=-4.079,P<0.05),而服用安慰剂者无明显变化.叶酸干预前后,其他肿瘤相关基因包括c-Ha-ras、E-cadlherin、p16INK4A和hMLH1的启动子甲基化水平无明显改变.结论 叶酸干预可升高癌基因c-myc启动子甲基化水平,但不影响抑癌基因E-cadlherin、p16INK4A和hMLH1的甲基化状态.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effect of folic acid on the DNA methylation of tumorrelated genes promoters in healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC). Methods Ten healthy volunteers were divided into two groups, and were randomized to receive either 5 mg folic acid (n=5)or placebo(n = 5) , one time per day for 3 months. The serum folic acid concentration was detected with chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay kit before and after the intervention. The methylation statuses of five tumor-related genes promoter, including oncogenes c-myc, c-Ha-ras,tumor suppressor genes p16INK4A, E-cadherin and mismatch repair gene hMLH1 in PBMC were detected by bisufite sequencing. Results After folic acid intervention, the level of serum folic acid increased significantly in intervention group (t= -4. 739,P<0. 05) , however no significant difference in control group. After three-month folic acid intervention, the level of methylation of oncogene c-myc promoter increased from 4%, 3. 3%, 4. 1% before intervention, one week after intervention, one month after intervention respectively to 8%(t= -4. 079,P<0. 05), while no significant change in placebo taken group. Before and after the folic acid intervention, there was no significant difference of DNA methylation of other tumor-related genes promoter, including c-Ha-ras、E-cadherin、p16INK4Aand hMLH1. Conclusion Folic acid intervention can up-regulate DNA methylation of oncogene c-myc promoter, but can not affect the promoter methylation status of tumor suppressor genes E-cadherin,p16INK4Aand hMLH1.     

Role of progesterone receptor activation in pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide gene expression in rat ovary.

It is well known that the pituitary gonadotropin surge induces progesterone receptor (PR) gene expression in luteinizing granulosa cells and that PR activation is critical for successful ovulation. To further understand the molecular mechanism(s) by which PR plays a role critical for granulosa cell functions, we wanted to identify progesterone-induced genes in granulosa cells. We employed a PCR-based subtraction cloning strategy to screen for genes expressed differentially in granulosa cells that were challenged with forskolin in the presence of progesterone or ZK98299. One such differentially expressed clone was identified as the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). To begin to understand the relationship between PR activation and PACAP gene expression in luteinizing granulosa cells, we examined whether PR and PACAP messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is temporally correlated. In cultured granulosa cells, both human CG and forskolin induced PR and PACAP mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR assays. However, the peak expression for PR and PACAP mRNAs was observed at 3 h and 6 h after hormone treatment, respectively. This time difference in cAMP-responsive expression of the PR and PACAP genes is due, at least in part, to the requirement of ongoing protein synthesis for PACAP expression, as demonstrated by the inhibitory effect of cycloheximide on cAMP-induced PACAP, but not PR, mRNA levels. To determine whether PR synthesis is prerequisite for PACAP expression, we examined the effect of ZK98299, a specific PR antagonist, on cAMP-induced PACAP mRNA expression. This compound blocked cAMP-induced PACAP mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that PR activation is required for PACAP gene expression in granulosa cells. We then compared cellular localization and hormonal regulation of ovarian PR and PACAP gene expression in immature rats treated with gonadotropins as well as in adult rats during the preovulatory period by using in situ hybridization and semiquantitative RT-PCR assays. Results show that both PR and PACAP mRNAs are induced in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles by human CG, but that the PR gene is expressed before the PACAP gene. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PRs mediate the LH-induced PACAP gene expression in rat granulosa cells.     

Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis by expression of an acetyl-CoA carboxylase-specific ribozyme gene.

We describe the construction of ribozyme genes that are specific to acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACC; acetyl-CoA: carbon-dioxide ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.4.1.2] mRNAs and the effects of their expression on long-chain fatty acid synthesis. In a cell-free system, these ribozymes precisely cleave ACC mRNA at the expected sites. 30A5 preadipocyte cells stably transfected with the ribozyme gene show a substantial reduction in the amount of ACC mRNA as compared to non-ribozyme-expressing cells. The decrease in ACC mRNA was associated with a significant decrease in ACC enzyme activity, and the rate of fatty acid synthesis fell to about 30-70% of the control. When these cells are induced to differentiate into adipocytes, lipid accumulation is very slow in comparison with control cells. The activity of fatty acid synthase and the mRNA level of beta-actin were not affected. These data indicate that ribozymes designed to specifically target ACC mRNA under in vivo conditions act by decreasing the ACC mRNA level, which, in turn, decreases fatty acid synthesis.     

Dissociation of cellular proliferation and c-myc expression by buttercup extract

Buttercup extract (BE), an extract of the buttercup plant (Zanthoriza simplicissima), inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis by HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. Exposure of these cells to 3% BE for 48 hours results in dramatic inhibition of RNA synthesis without loss of cell viability. The effect of BE is partially reversible over 12-24 hours with the level of RNA synthesis returning nearly to control levels during this time period. DNA synthesis is also reversibly inhibited by exposure to BE. Despite the inhibition of RNA synthesis in HL-60 cells, there is no decrease in the level of c-myc mRNA, even at high BE concentrations. The level of gene-specific mRNA for the c-Ha-ras, c-fms, and c-mos genes in these cells also remained constant during exposure to BE. Ribosomal RNA is not degraded during 24 hours of BE treatment in vitro, suggesting that BE does not maintain the relative mRNA level for these genes by selective degradation of other RNA species. The inhibition of RNA and DNA synthesis by BE without a corresponding alteration in the level of expression of the c-myc gene suggests that this agent dissociates c-myc expression and cellular proliferation in these cells.     

心肌营养素-1诱导心肌细胞肥大及辛伐他汀的干预作用

目的观察细胞因子心肌营养素1(CT-1)诱导大鼠心肌细胞的肥大效应,探讨辛伐他汀(Sim)对这一过程的干预作用及其信号转导机制。方法以培养的新生Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠心肌细胞为实验模型,分为对照组,CT-1诱导组,CT-1 Sim组,CT-1 Sim 甲羟戊酸(MVA)组,CT-1 AG490(JAK2拮抗剂)组。应用图像分析系统测定心肌细胞表面积,3H-亮氨酸掺入法测定心肌细胞蛋白合成速率,逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测心钠素(ANP)mRNA表达,RT-PCR检测细胞因子信号通路JAK/STAT的mRNA表达水平。结果(1)与对照组相比,CT-1组心肌细胞表面积,3H-亮氨酸掺入率,ANPmRNA表达水平均明显增高(P<0.01),JAK2拮抗剂AG490可显著的抑制CT-1的作用(P<0.01)。(2)与CT-1组相比,辛伐他汀共培养后心肌细胞表面积,3H-亮氨酸掺入率,ANPmRNA表达水平明显减小(P<0.01),外源性甲羟戊酸可显著的抑制辛伐他汀的作用(P<0.01);(3)CT-1可使心肌细胞JAK-STAT的mRNA表达水平显著增强,辛伐他汀显著抑制CT-1诱导心肌细胞JAK-STATmR-NA表达水平增高(P<0.01),而MVA和AG490可部分阻断辛伐他汀的效应(P<0.01)。结论心肌营养素1能够诱导心肌细胞肥大,辛伐他汀可抑制其这一过程并可能与细胞因子信号通路JAK-STAT活化有关。     

Histone deacetylase inhibitors restore radioiodide uptake and retention in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by expression of the sodium/iodide symporter thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin

Iodide uptake by the thyroid is mediated by the sodium/iodide symporter. Upon iodide uptake, thyroperoxidase catalyzes iodination of tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin, retaining iodide within thyroid follicles. Dedifferentiation-induced loss of these functions in cancers, rendering them unresponsive to radioiodide, occurs with most poorly differentiated and anaplastic tumors. We focused on the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACI) as a way to induce differentiation of thyroid cancer cells. We assessed re-expression of thyroid-specific genes mRNA induced by HDACI using quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining in poorly differentiated papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. HDACI induced expression of thyroid-specific gene mRNAs and proteins, and accumulation of radioiodide through iodination of generic cellular proteins were detected. HDACI-treated tumors could specifically accumulate (125)I as revealed by imaging experiments and radioiodide concentration in vivo. In an attempt to determine the mechanism by which these gene expressions occurred, we detected the inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide, which up-regulated the expression of thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin mRNA in HDACI-treated cells and down-regulated that of sodium/iodide symporter mRNA. Together, our results suggest that HDACI-induced expression of thyroid-specific genes, some of which is mediated by some protein synthesis, may contribute to development of novel strategy against thyroid cancer.     

Folic acid and its metabolites modulate IGF-I receptor gene expression in colon cancer cells in a p53-dependent manner

The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) has an important role in colorectal cancer development and progression. IGF-IR displays a potent anti-apoptotic activity and is overexpressed in primary tumors and colon cancer-derived cell lines. Folic acid, a member of the vitamin B family, is a chemopreventive agent whose deficiency has been linked to an enhanced colon cancer risk. The present study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that part of the modulatory effect of folic acid on malignant transformation may be attributed to its ability to regulate IGF-IR gene expression. Regulation of IGF-IR gene expression by folic acid was assessed using western blots, RT-PCR, transient transfections and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Activation of the IGF-IR signaling pathway was evaluated by measuring phosphorylation of ERK, and apoptosis was assayed using poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and annexin V-FITC staining. Results obtained showed that folic acid induced a dose-dependent decrease in IGF-IR protein and mRNA levels in the HCT116 +/+ colon cancer cell line. This effect was associated with a significant reduction in IGF-IR promoter activity. Similar effects were elicited by the folic acid metabolites dihydrofolic acid and tetrahydrofolic acid. In addition, folic acid abrogated the IGF-I-stimulated phosphorylation of the downstream signaling molecule ERK1/2 and exhibited a pro-apoptotic activity. Moreover, folic acid induced a significant decrease in Sp1 binding to the IGF-IR promoter region. Finally, folic acid had no effect in wild-type p53-depleted HCT116 -/- and Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the mechanism of action of folic acid involves regulation of IGF-IR gene expression. The ability of folic acid to downregulate the IGF-I signal transduction pathway may allow the micronutrient to function as a chemopreventive agent. Folic acid deficiency, on the other hand, may lead to increased IGF-IR gene expression, with ensuing pathological activation by endocrine and/or autocrine/paracrine IGF-I.     

Translational enhancement of the poliovirus 5'' noncoding region mediated by virus-encoded polypeptide 2A.

Genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that the 5' noncoding region of poliovirus mediates translation of the viral mRNA by an unusual mechanism involving entry of ribosomes in internal sequences of mRNA molecules. We have found that mRNAs bearing the 5' noncoding region of poliovirus were translated at an enhanced rate in poliovirus-infected mammalian cells at a time when translation of cellular mRNAs was not yet inhibited. This translational enhancement of the polioviral 5' noncoding region was mediated by the expression of virus-encoded polypeptide 2A. This indicates that 2A is a multifunctional protein involved directly or indirectly in the activation of viral mRNA translation, in addition to its known roles in viral polyprotein processing and in inhibition of cellular protein synthesis. Thus, 2A represents an activator of translation of a viral mRNA that is translated by an internal ribosome binding mechanism. A likely consequence of this role of 2A is the efficient translation of viral mRNAs early in the infectious cycle, when host cell mRNAs can still compete with viral mRNAs for the host cell translation apparatus.     

Leptin does not induce hypertrophy, cell cycle alterations, or production of MCP-1 in cultured rat and mouse cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND: Leptin has been proposed as an important mediator in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) present high plasma leptin levels. CHF is generally preceded by myocardial remodeling involving hypertrophy, necrosis, and apoptosis. AIM: To investigate whether leptin causes hypertrophy or cell cycle alterations, or induces MCP-1 synthesis in cardiomyocytes. MEHODS: Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (PC) and murine cell line HL-1 were used. RT-PCR was used to identify Ob-Rb gene expression. Metabolic activity and proliferation of cardiomyocytes was studied using MTT and BrdU uptake, while apoptosis was assayed with Hoechst dye vital staining and flow cytometry. Measurement of the cell surface area was used to determine hypertrophy. MCP-1 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: RT-PCR showed Ob-Rb mRNA expression in HL-1 cells. Exposure to leptin induced no changes in metabolic activity, proliferation, and apoptotic rates, and did not alter cell cycle in cardiomyocytes. Leptin did not increase cell size of cardiomyocytes, and MCP-1 synthesis was not detected in PC and HL-1 cells treated with leptin. CONCLUSION: This work shows that leptin does not induce changes in viability, proliferation, size or apoptosis of rat neonatal and HL-1 cardiomyocytes, and it does not induce MCP-1 secretion in these cells.     

Studies on two ecdysone receptor isoforms of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana.

A full-length cDNA clone corresponding to the Choristoneura fumiferana ecdysone receptor-A isoform (CfEcR-A) was isolated. The deduced amino acid sequence of CfEcR-A differed from CfEcR-B in the NH2-terminal region of the A/B domain. The CfEcR-A-specific region showed high amino acid identity with EcR-A isoforms of Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, Drosophila melanogaster and Tenebrio molitor. Isoform-specific probes were used to study the expression of EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs. Both probes detected 6 kb mRNAs that were present in second-sixth larval instars and in the pupae. Both EcR-A and EcR-B mRNA levels increased during the molting periods. In the sixth instar larvae, the increase in EcR-A and EcR-B mRNA levels were more pronounced in the midgut than in epidermis and fat body. Both EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs were induced in CF-203 cells (a cell line developed from C. fumiferana midgut) grown in the presence of 4 x 10(-6) M 20E. EcR-B specific mRNAs were induced within 1 h of exposure to 20E, but EcR-A specific mRNAs were induced only after 3 h of exposure to 20E. Induction of mRNAs for both isoforms was unaffected by the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor, cyclohexamide, in the culture medium. RH-5992, a stable ecdysone agonist, caused a similar induction pattern of EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs in the midgut, epidermis and fat body of sixth instar larvae. In vitro translated CfEcR-A, CfEcR-B and CfUSP proteins were used to study the DNA binding and ligand binding properties of EcR-A/USP and EcR-B/USP protein complexes. The Kd values indicated that both complexes have similar binding affinities for ecdysone response elements and ponasterone A.     

叶酸对胃癌细胞生物学特征以及alkB基因表达的影响

背景:抑癌基因启动子区DNA超甲基化是胃癌发生的重要机制之一。alkB基因可修复甲基化损伤,而叶酸对胃癌的发生起有预防作用;但叶酸的作用是否与alkB基因表达相关尚不清楚。目的:探讨叶酸对胃癌细胞生物学特征以及alkB基因表达的影响。方法:培养人胃癌细胞株SGC7901,分别以0mg/L、0.2mg/L、0.4mg/L、0.8mg/L、1.0mg/L和2.0mg/L浓度叶酸进行干预。以CCK-8法检测细胞增殖活力,流式细胞术分析细胞周期,实时定量RT-PCR法检测alkB基因mRNA表达。结果:与空白对照组相比,0.2mg/L、0.4mg/L浓度叶酸能明显抑制胃癌细胞增殖活力,G0/G1期细胞百分比显著减少;alkB基因mRNA表达明显上调。结论:叶酸干预可抑制胃癌细胞增殖,同时上调alkB基因表达,推测alkB基因表达改变或许参与叶酸抑制胃癌细胞增殖的作用机制。     

Rheb activates protein synthesis and growth in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a key regulator of protein synthesis, growth and proliferation in mammalian cells, is implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) positively regulates mTORC1. We have studied whether Rheb is sufficient to activate mTOR signaling and promote protein synthesis and cardiac hypertrophy in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVC). Rheb was overexpressed via an adenoviral vector in isolated ARVC. Overexpression of Rheb in ARVC activated mTORC1 signaling, several components of the translational machinery and stimulated protein synthesis. Our direct visualization approach to determine ARVC size revealed that overexpression of Rheb also induced cell growth and indeed did so to similar extent to the hypertrophic agent, phenylephrine (PE). Despite potent activation of mTORC1 signaling, overexpression of Rheb did not induce expression of the cardiac hypertrophic marker mRNAs for brain natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic factor, while PE treatment did markedly increase their expression. All the effects of Rheb were blocked by rapamycin, confirming their dependence on mTORC1 signaling. Our findings reveal that Rheb itself can activate both protein synthesis and cell growth in ARVC and demonstrate the key role played by mTORC1 in the growth of cardiomyocytes.     

Drastically increased expression of MYC and FOS protooncogenes during in vitro differentiation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, representing a clonal population of resting B lymphocytes, were induced to differentiate into immunoglobulin-secreting lymphoblasts and plasmablasts by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The induction resulted in a rapid increase in the molar ratio of secreted/membrane-bound mu-chain mRNA. Immunoglobulin secretion was preceded by a transition of the cells from the G0 to G1 phase of the cell cycle, as indicated by an increase in RNA and protein synthesis, and an overall increase in cellular RNA. The cells, however, became blocked in G1 and did not enter S phase. The expression of MYC and FOS was rapidly induced by the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment. The induction of FOS preceded the shift in secreted/membrane-bound mu-chain mRNA molar ratio, while that of MYC occurred concomitantly with the shift, but prior to induction of total RNA synthesis and immunoglobulin secretion. MYC expression remained at a relatively high level during the whole differentiation process. It is thus concluded that a decline of MYC expression is not a prerequisite for differentiation of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. This suggests that MYC expression may play a different role during differentiation of nonproliferating B cells than in the myelomonocytic cell lines HL-60 and U-937, where MYC expression has been reported to decrease during induced differentiation. The results also show that the expression of the MYC and FOS genes does not result in the transition of these cells into the S phase of the cell cycle.