Objective: To explore the localization of a human FLT3 ligand isoform deleted 139 bp of extracellular region.
Methods: Localization of the FLT3 ligand isoform in human tissues was studied by using PCR and RT-PCR. The PCR products were identified by DNA sequencing.
Results: FLT3 ligand was expressed in liver, fetal liver, bone marrow, muscle, kidney and peripheral blood cells and in four leukemia cell lines, but not in brain, while the FLT3 ligand isoform only in fetal liver and bone marrow.
Conclusion: The FLT3 ligand isoform was expressed in hematopoietic cells and might be involved in hematopoiesis regulation.