cFos mediates cAMP-dependent generation of ROS and rescue of maturation program in retinoid-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4-LR1

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50408. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050408. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

A determining role has been assigned to cAMP in the signaling pathways that relieve resistance to anti-leukemia differentiation therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. Here, we identify cFos as a critical cAMP effector, able to regulate the re-expression and splicing of epigenetically silenced genes associated with maturation (CD44) in retinoid-resistant NB4-LR1 leukemia cells. Furthermore, using RNA interference approach, we show that cFos mediates cAMP-induced ROS generation, a critical mediator of neutrophil maturation, and in fine differentiation. This study highlights some of the mechanisms by which cAMP acts to overcome resistance, and reveals a new alternative cFos-dependent pathway which, though nonexistent in retinoid-sensitive NB4 cells, is essential to rescue the maturation program of resistant cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Exons
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / biosynthesis
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Retinoids / pharmacology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Retinoids
  • Cyclic AMP

Grants and funding

This work was supported by grants from the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM, www.inserm.fr/) and the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer (Comité de Paris, http://www.ligue-cancer.net/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.