Alterations in IRF1/IRF2 expression in acute myelogenous leukemia

The interferon response genes 1 and 2 have been shown to be involved in the regulation of differentiation and proliferation of cells of the myeloid se ries, with the former functioning as an anti-oncogene and the latter as an oncogene. In the study described here, the levels of expression of these tw o genes and the ratio of their expression were compared in AML and normal m arrow. The ratio of gene expression was significantly less in AML marrow ce lls as compared to normal marrow cells [med ratio = 1.33 vs. 2.97, P = 0.00 3]. While the expression ratio was unaffected by the presence or absence of either ras or fms mutations, p53 mutations were associated with higher IRF 1:IRF2 expression ratios that wt p53 genes [med = 1.701 vs. 1.135, P = 0.01 4]. Given the functional characteristics and the competitive nature of thes e two genes, it is possible that leukemic transformation is associated with a fall in IRF1:IRF2 ratios. Finally, the administration of IL4 can result in the normalization of the IRF1:IRF2 ratio in the marrow cells of some pat ients with AML. Am. J. Hematol. 68:23-31, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.