BP-1/6C3 expression defines a differentiation stage of transformed pre-B cells and is not related to malignant potential.
BP-1 antibody recognizes a cell surface molecule related to the zinc-dependent metallopeptidases that is expressed during a narrow window early in B cell differentiation. Expression of the same molecule, as originally recognized by the mAb 6C3, is widely accepted to be associated with the complete malignant transformation of pre-B lymphoid cells. We have examined BP-1/6C3 expression in a panel of established Abelson virus-transformed cells that includes both cells analogous to pre-B cells and to less differentiated B lineage cells that have not yet completed Ig H chain gene rearrangement. This analysis reveals that many of the less differentiated transformants do not express BP-1/6C3 for an extended culture period. In contrast, virtually all transformants that are analogous to normal pre-B cells express the determinant early in their culture history. The BP-1/6C3 negative transformants are fully tumorigenic in syngeneic mice, demonstrating that BP-1/6C3 expression is not required for complete malignant transformation. Our data thus suggest that the pattern of BP-1/6C3 expression in Abelson virus-transformed cells mimics that observed in normal cells and is indicative of a differentiation event unrelated to the malignant potential of the cells.
Ramakrishnan
L
L
Immunology Graduate Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
Wu
Q
Q
Yue
A
A
Cooper
M D
MD
Rosenberg
N
N
D000011:Abelson murine leukemia virus; D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D018826:CD13 Antigens; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D015870:Gene Expression; D015326:Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain; D051379:Mice; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000276:immunology; D009857:Oncogenes
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000626:Aminopeptidases; D018826:CD13 Antigens