Galectin-1 gene expression and methylation state in human T leukemia cell lines

Int J Oncol. 2000 Nov;17(5):1015-8. doi: 10.3892/ijo.17.5.1015.

Abstract

Galectin-1 has been demonstrated to be a mediator of T-cell apoptosis acting on activated T-cells and, in a selective manner, on different T leukemia cell lines. Here we show that the sensitivity to galectin-1 is associated with repression of the endogenous galectin-1 gene whereas non-sensitive cells express high levels of galectin-1. Repression of galectin-1 gene in sensitive cells is associated with hyper-methylation of the promoter region. Transient treatment of non-expressing cells with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine led to irreversible demethylation and subsequent reactivation of galectin-1 gene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / pharmacology
  • Azacitidine / pharmacology
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation* / drug effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Galectin 1
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic* / drug effects
  • Hemagglutinins / biosynthesis
  • Hemagglutinins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / genetics
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / metabolism

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Galectin 1
  • Hemagglutinins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • Azacitidine