Biallelic and heterozygous point mutations in the runt domain of the AML1/PEBP2alphaB gene associated with myeloblastic leukemias

Blood. 1999 Mar 15;93(6):1817-24.

Abstract

The AML1 gene encoding the DNA-binding alpha-subunit in the Runt domain family of heterodimeric transcription factors has been noted for its frequent involvement in chromosomal translocations associated with leukemia. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) combined with nonisotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA), we found point mutations of the AML1 gene in 8 of 160 leukemia patients: silent mutations, heterozygous missense mutations, and biallelic nonsense or frameshift mutations in 2, 4, and 2 cases, respectively. The mutations were all clustered within the Runt domain. Missense mutations identified in 3 patients showed neither DNA binding nor transactivation, although being active in heterodimerization. These defective missense mutants may be relevant to the predisposition or progression of leukemia. On the other hand, the biallelic nonsense mutants encoding truncated AML1 proteins lost almost all functions examined and may play a role in leukemogenesis leading to acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alleles*
  • Binding Sites
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Dimerization
  • Female
  • Heterozygote*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Point Mutation*
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins*
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • RUNX1 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor