Differential epigenetic regulation between the alternative promoters, PRDM1α and PRDM1β, of the tumour suppressor gene PRDM1 in human multiple myeloma cells.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell neoplasm that is characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. The transcription factor PRDM1 is a master regulator of plasma cell development and is considered to be an oncosuppressor in several lymphoid neoplasms. The PRDM1β isoform is an alternative promoter of the PRDM1 gene that may interfere with the normal role of the PRDM1α isoform.

Maternal and fetal serum transformed alpha-fetoprotein levels in normal pregnancy.

Aim: To evaluate transformed alpha-fetoprotein (t-AFP) (a new molecular conformation of alpha-fetoprotein) levels in maternal serum and fetal serum in normal pregnancy.

Methods: Prospective longitudinal study. Fifty pregnant women were studied in two groups: 25 were evaluated in each trimester of pregnancy and near term (12, 20, 32 and 36 weeks) and the other 25 were evaluated at the time of planned cesarean section at term.