EXPRESSION OF FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS IN HUMAN LEUKEMIA-CELLS

We have previously cloned from K562 leukemia cells two novel fibroblas t growth factor receptors (FGFR-3 and FGFR-4; J. Partanen et al., EMBO J., 10: 1347-1354, 1991). Here we have analyzed the mRNA expression o f four different FGFRs, including the two novel genes in human leukemi a cell lines. We show FGFR-1, FGFR-3, and FGFR-4 mRNAs in several leuk emia cell lines at levels similar to those in solid tumor cell lines. Ligand cross-linking experiments indicate that K562 cells have recepto rs binding acidic FGF but not basic FGF. Expression of FGFRs in leukem ia cells may reflect their presence on normal hematopoietic precursor cells or induction during leukemogenesis or cell culture.