Genetic imbalances in preleukemic thymuses

To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in preleukemia, the suppres sion subtractive hybridization method was used in a murine radiation-induce d thymic lymphoma model. Seventeen mRNAs overexpressed in preleukemic thymu ses were identified: mouse laminin binding protein (p40/37LBP), E25 protein , Rattus norvegicus clone BB.1.4,1, profilin, poly(A) binding protein (PABP ), mouse high mobility group protein 1, topoisomerase I, clusterin, proteas ome RC1 subunit, rat prostatein C3 and C1 subunits; two ESTs and four unkno wn genes. The overexpression of PABP, clusterin, profilin, and the p40/37LB P mRNAs was eon firmed in preleukemic thymuses and can be related to some c ellular events observed during the preleukemic period, i.e., alterations of cell cycle and apoptosis properties. The p40/37LBP and 67-kDa laminin rece ptor proteins were upregulated during the preleukemic period. The data sugg est that additional studies on p40/37LBP and 67-kDa laminin receptor regula tion are required to evaluate their potential role in the lymphoma preventi on by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. (C) 2001 Academic Press.