Objective: In order to investigate the leukemogenic potential of NUP98-PMX1 fusion gene in vivo.
Methods: NUP98-PMX1 transgenic mice were generated, in which the fusion gene was driven by hCG promoter and expressed in myeloid cells at early stage of differentiation. Molecular cloning technology was used to construct NUP98-PMX1 transgenic plasmid. The genotype and phenotype of the NUP98-PMX1 transgenic mice were analyzed by PCR, RT-PCR, peripheral blood count (PBC), bone marrow (BM) cells morphology and pathological examination.
Results: NIH3T3 cells transfected with NUP98-PMX1 fusion gene grew faster, formed colonies in soft agar, and developed tumors in 10 inoculated nude mice. Among 8 disordered NUP98-PMX1 transgenic mice, 4 developed myeloid leukemia-like phenotype, including 3 resembling human chronic myeloid leukemia.
Conclusion: NUP98-PMX1 has oncogenic activity and plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis.