Furthermore the line has a number of characteristics which are detectable in blasts from AML patients, such as surface adhesion molecules, cytokines such as TGF-beta, cytokine receptors such as the IL-2 receptor beta and gamma chains or the IL-4 receptor and the genes for the transcription factor wt-1 (Wilms' tumor gene) and for the proto-oncogene bcl-2, both shown to be present in the majority of patients with AML.
Because mechanisms leading to NR growth and WT formation are poorly understood, bcl-2 and MIB expression were studied by immunohistochemistry in both groups.
The Wilms tumor gene wt1 and the protooncogene bcl-2 are upregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are known to regulate or to inhibit the onset of apoptosis.