Childhood leukemia with simultaneously expressed myeloid and lymphoid markers suggesting stem cell origin

Abstract

A case study is presented of a leukemic patient whose cells express markers of both myeloid and lymphoid cells. Cells were identified from bone marrow which expressed either myeloid antigens, lymphoid antigens, or both myeloid and lymphoid antigens, indicating a possible common stem cell capable of differentiating along either a lymphoid or myeloid cell lineage. Using specific monoclonal antibodies, 40-70% of the cells were reactive with anti-T-cell antibodies, 50% of the cells were reactive with antibodies to the common ALL antigen (CALLA), and 80-90% of the cells were reactive with antibodies directed against myeloid antigens. Using double staining techniques, some cells were found to demonstrate only myeloid markers; others, only lymphoid markers; and others, both myeloid and lymphoid markers. These results suggest that a common stem cell is capable of differentiating along both lymphoid and myeloid lineages.

CD133 expression is associated with small round blue cell tumour morphology in human central nervous system neoplasms

“…Abbreviations: BSA, bovine serum albumin; CNS, central nervous system; FACS, fluorescence activated cell sorting; gDNA, genomic DNA; GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein; MNE, mean normalized expression; PBS, phosphatebuffered saline; PEB, phosphate-buffered saline with 2 mm EDTA and 0.5% bovine serum albumin; PNET, primitive neuroectodermal tumour; RT-PCR, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; SA-HRP, streptavidinhorseradish peroxidase; SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SRBCT, small round blue cell tumour; TBST, Tris-buffered saline ⁄ Tween; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; WHO, World Health Organization Introduction Over 20 years ago, the first evidence was provided supporting the hypothesis that neoplasms might arise from common stem cells capable of giving rise to tumours of various differentiation types. 1 Human stem cells possess the capacity for self-renewal as well as unlimited growth. Current treatment strategies mostly fail to eradicate tumour stem cells.…”

“…Over 20 years ago, the first evidence was provided supporting the hypothesis that neoplasms might arise from common stem cells capable of giving rise to tumours of various differentiation types 1 . Human stem cells possess the capacity for self‐renewal as well as unlimited growth.…”