Use of NG2 (7.1) in AML as a tumor marker and its association with a poor prognosis.

We analyzed 70 bone marrow (BM) samples from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients for 11q23 aberrations and reactivity with the monoclonal antibody NG2. NG2 reactivity correlated with FAB-M5 (50% positive cases, with an average of 32% NG2(+) cells), as well as with 11q23 aberrations. We detected NG2(+) cells in AML cases with normal karyotype, however, not in healthy BM cells.

Expression of MAC-1 (CD11b) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with an unfavorable prognosis.

There is evidence to suggest, that cellular adhesion molecules and receptors could play a role in leukemia, e.g., through altered adhesive qualities of leukemic blasts.

High expression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (UPA-R) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with worse prognosis.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (UPA-R; CD87) is a membrane protein responsible for plasmin expression on cells facilitating cellular extravasations and tissue invasions. We studied the expression of the UPA-R on bone marrow (BM) cells of 93 patients with acute myeloid leukemia at first diagnosis and 8 healthy probands as controls by FACS analysis using phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated antibodies. A case was defined as UPA-R-positive (UPA-R+) if >20% of the gated cells expressed UPA-R.

Expression and prognostic value of hemopoietic cytokine receptors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML): implications for future therapeutical strategies.

Objectives: Hemopoietic cytokines regulate hemopoietic cell functions via specific cell surface receptors. There is evidence to suggest, that those receptors (R) could play a role in leukemia with respect to cell differentiations and its regulation, prognosis, and pathobiology. Knowledge of individual cytokine receptor (CKR) profiles could provide new discoveries about CKR-supported therapeutic considerations.