OBJECTIVETo identify differentially expressed genes between chronic phase and blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia, explore the mechanism and screen potential biomarkers of disease progression.

METHODSThe differences in the gene expression profiles of bone marrow mononuclear cells between chronic phase and blastic crisis were examined using DNA microarray. PANTHER database, Genomatix database and Bibliosphere software were used to analyze and predict the critical genes or transcription factors during disease progression. Some of the genes or transcription factors were selected for verification by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSIn blastic crisis, 68 of the 1176 tested genes were obviously up-regulated. Sixteen of these differential genes were selectively expressed in leukocyte membranes. CD40, CCR3, LGALS3, RGS3, CEACAM3 and the related transcription factors RAC1, CTNNB1, TP53, and NF-κB, all as the nodes of the entire regulatory network, were presumed to play key roles in disease progression. The results of RT-PCR were consistent with the microarray data and showed high expression of CEACAM3, RGS3, CTNNB1 and RAC1 in blastic crisis.

CONCLUSIONA group of genes have been identified to very likely play key roles or serve as biomarkers in the transition from the chronic phase to blastic crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia.