Immature B cell malignancies synthesize VEGF, VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (KDR)

Leuk Res. 2004 Feb;28(2):133-7. doi: 10.1016/s0145-2126(03)00188-7.

Abstract

Expression of VEGF and VEGFR support a role for angiogenic pathways in the pathogenesis of some hematological malignances. Our goal was to determine if expression of these angiogenic molecules also extend to childhood precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL). We now show that transcripts of VEGF, and its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 are concomitantly expressed in both ALL cell lines and primary pre-B ALL. Western blot and ELISA consistently detected VEGF protein in the supernatants of the cell lines. Similarly, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 proteins are also detectable by FACS analysis. Interestingly, the expression of the receptors in immature B cells is limited to the intra-cytoplasmic compartment and may suggest either internalization of the receptors or a block in trafficking of the receptor to the surface.

MeSH terms

  • Autocrine Communication
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Blood Cells / pathology
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / etiology
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / metabolism*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / etiology
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / metabolism
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / analysis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / analysis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2