Inhibition of TGF-β1 on Gli2 expression was promoted by TNF-α in primary leukemia cells

Abstract

Purpose: Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway regulates a variety of tumors-related diseases including leukemia. Whether inhibition of TGF-β1 on Gli2 expression is promoted by TNF-α in primary leukemia cells remains to be determined.

Methods: Primary leukemia cells were treated with TGF-β1, TNF-α or SIS3 at different concentrations. Gli2 expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analyses.

Results: We found that TGF-β significantly decreased Gli2 expression, and co-treatment with TNF-αfurther decreased Gli2 expression in primary leukemia cells. TNF-α can increased TGF-βRI and TGF-βRII protein expression in primary leukemia cells, while SIS3 inhibited the effect of TGF-β.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that Gli2 expression in primary leukemia cells is induced by TGF-β in a Smad3-dependent manner, and independent of Hh receptor signaling.

Keywords: Gli2; Primary leukemia cells; TGF-β1; TNF-α.