ABSTRACT
In order to clarify the function of P210 bcr/abl oncogene in leukemogenesis, IL-3 dependent murine hematopietic cell line, FDC-P2, was transfected with the plasmid containing cDNA of P210 bcr/abl oncogene (pGD'210) or murine IL-3 (pcDmIL3) by electroporation. Four out of five pGDH210 transfected clones as well as FDC-P2 transfected with pcDmIL3, acquired autonomous proliferation (i.e. lost the requirement for IL-3 supplementation). The expression of bcr/abl oncogene was weak in one clone, which remained dependent on IL-3. Unlike pcDmIL3 transfectants, which secrete IL-3 into the supernatant, IL-3 was not demonstrated in the culture supernatant of pGD'210 transfected FDC-P2. These finding suggest that P210 bcr/abl oncogene is directly associated with autonomous proliferation, which is the first process of leukemogenesis.
