title: Role of transforming growth factor-beta in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
abstract: TGF-beta is an important immunoregulator as it suppresses proliferation and function of B- and T-lymphocytes. In the present study we have examined the cellular localization and secretion of TGF-beta in B-cells from normal donors and patients with CLL and have assessed the influence of TGF-beta 1 on DNA synthesis in these cells. Using anti-LC(1-30)--a polyclonal anti-TGF-beta 1 antibody--TGF-beta was localized to discrete sites within the cytoplasm of both normal and malignant lymphocytes. These areas co-localized with areas detected by an antigranule antibody (D545), suggesting that TGF-beta may be stored within cytoplasmic secretory vesicles. Both normal B- and CLL cells contained low or undetectable levels of TGF-beta mRNA and secreted low and equivalent amounts of TGF-beta. Compared to untreated cells, DNA synthesis was reduced by TGF-beta 1 to a mean +/- S. E. of 0.84 +/- 0.07 in CLL cells and this was significantly less (p < 0.001) than that observed in normal B-cells (mean +/- S. E. of control, 0.12 +/- 0.02). In 3 of the 18 patients, TGF-beta 1 stimulated DNA synthesis. The reduced inhibition of leukemic cell DNA synthesis by TGF-beta 1 in CLL may provide these cells with a growth or survival advantage over normal lymphocytes and contribute to their selective accumulation.
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Israels
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Israels
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Begleiter
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Verburg
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Mowat
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta