Interferon affects cell growth progression by modulating DNA polymerases activity.
A multiparametric analysis of the effects of human recombinant interferon alpha type A on Daudi cells involving flow cytometry and in vitro analysis of alpha and beta DNA polymerase activities has been performed. Results have disclosed (within 60 min of interferon treatment) a decrease of alpha polymerase driven DNA synthesis persisting to at least 24 h, while beta polymerase was poorly affected. Moreover, after 24 h of interferon treatment, a reduction of BrdUrd incorporation per cell, assessed by flow cytometry, was observed suggesting that DNA synthesis in S phase cells is almost completely abolished. The analysis of the effect of interferon on the distribution of cell cycle phases indicated that the G1/S transition is not inhibited by the treatment. These results support the hypothesis that interferon generates a transient initiating signal which quickly reaches the nucleus and produces a rapid inhibition of alpha polymerase activity, leading finally to the slowing of cell cycle progression.
Cataldi
A
A
Istituto di Morfologia Umana Normale, Chieti, Italy.
Santavenere
E
E
Vitale
M
M
Trubiani
O
O
Lisio
R
R
Tulipano
G
G
Di Domenicantonio
L
L
Zamai
L
L
Miscia
S
S
D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007700:Kinetics; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase