IKZF1 and BTG1 silencing reduces glucocorticoid response in B-cell precursor acute leukemia cell line.

Introduction: Secondary genetic alterations, which contribute to the dysregulation of cell cycle progression and lymphoid specialization, are frequently observed in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). As IKZF1 and BTG1 deletions are associated with a worse outcome in B-ALL, this study aimed to address whether they synergistically promote glucocorticoid resistance.

Methods: Small interfering RNA was used to downregulate either IKZF1, or BTG1, or both genes in the 207 B-ALL cell line. Cell viability was investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue exclusion assays. The expression levels of IKZF1, BTG1 and glucocorticoid-responsive genes (DUSP1, SGK1, FBXW7 and NR3C1) were evaluated by real time quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Isolated silencing of BTG1, IKZF1, or both genes in combination under dexamethasone treatment increased cell viability by 24%, 40% and 84%, respectively. Although BTG1 silencing did not alter the expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, IKZF1 knockdown decreased the transcript levels of DUSP1 (2.6-fold), SGK1 (1.8-fold), FBXW7 (2.2-fold) and NR3C1 (1.7-fold). The expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes reached even lower levels (reducing 2.4-4 fold) when IKZF1 and BTG1 silencing occurred in combination.

Conclusions: IKZF1 silencing impairs the transcription of glucocorticoid-responsive genes; this effect is enhanced by concomitant loss of BTG1. These results demonstrate the molecular mechanism by which the combination of both genetic deletions might contribute to higher relapse rates in B-ALL.