OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of CDX2 and β-catenin and their correlation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSReal-time PCR was used to examine the expressions of CDX2 and β-catenin mRNA in 92 de novo AML and 30 non-malignant patients (control), and Western blot was employed to detect CDX2 and β-catenin protein expressions in 26 de novo AML and 8 non-malignant patients.

RESULTSThe positivity rates of CDX2 mRNA and protein expressions in AML group were 84.78% and 76.92%, respectively, but no CDX2 mRNA or protein expression were detected in control group (P<0.01). The expressions of β-catenin mRNA and protein were detected in all the patients in both groups but its expressions in AML group were significantly higher (P<0.01). The expressions of CDX2 and β-catenin mRNA were significantly correlated with WBC counts and LDH levels (P<0.01). The expression of CDX2 mRNA was not detected and the expression of β-catenin mRNA was decreased to normal level in AML patients with complete remission, while the expressions of CDX2 and β-catenin mRNA were increased again in those with disease relapse. There were significantly positive correlations between CDX2 and β-catenin expressions at both mRNA and protein levels (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONUp-regulation of CDX2 gene and activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway co-exist in AML patients and the expressions of CDX2 and β-catenin are positively correlated.