HUMAN CD34(-TRANSFERASES-ALPHA() CELLS DO NOT EXPRESS GLUTATHIONE S)

The expression of glutathione S-transferases alpha (GST alpha) in huma n hematopoietic CD34(+) cells and bone marrow was studied using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. The GSTA1 protein conjugates glutathione to the s tem cell selective alkylator busulfan. This reaction is the major path way of elimination of the compound for the human body. Human hematopoi etic CD34(+) cells and bond marrow do not express GSTA1 message, which was present at high level in liver an organ relatively resistant to b usulfan toxicity in comparison to bone marrow. Similarly baboon CD34() cells and dog bone marrow donor express GSTA1. Human GSTA1 may be us eful as a chemoprotective selectable marker in human stem cell gene th erapy.