p73 gene expression in apoptotic process of acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937 induced by methotrexate / 中国实验血液学杂志

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to study the variation of p73 gene expression in the apoptotic process of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line U937 induced by methotrexate (MTX). Morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed with microscopy and Wright's + Giemsa staining. DNA ladder and cell cycle were examined by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry respectively. Using semi-quantitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the expression of p73 mRNA was examined. Results showed that MTX could induce U937 cell apoptosis effectively. Condensed nuclei, fragmentation of chromosome and DNA ladder were seen after 6 hour following treatment of MTX 5 micro mol/L. Sub-G(1) peak and S + G(2)/M arrest were also determined by FCM, but the quantity of p73 expression was generally constant. In conclusion, U937 cell apoptosis induced by MTX did not change p73 mRNA level.