Evaluation of FLT۳-ITD Mutations and MDR۱ Gene Expression in AML Patients

Background & Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy caused by genetic abnormalities. These days, molecular and genetic factors are usually used as diagnostic and prognostic markers. FLT-۳ is one of the most known diagnostic factors in AML. MDR۱ gene belongs to the ATP binding cassette family; it is known as one of the chemotherapy-resistant causes of AML. We aimed to study FLT-۳ITD mutations and their association with MDR۱ gene expression in AML individuals.Methods: For investigation, ۸۰ AML individuals and ۲۰ healthy controls were selected. This study was done in the cancer molecular pathology research center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Iran during ۲۰۱۷-۲۰۱۹. FLT۳-ITD mutation was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to measure the amount of MDR۱ gene expression. Bone marrow and blood smears of patients were evaluated in terms of morphology. SPSS ۱۶.۰ was used for data analysis.Results: FLT۳-ITD mutation and MDR۱ overexpression were found in ۱۸.۸% and ۲۳.۸% of AML patients, respectively. Statistical analysis did not show any relations or association between these two markers. Cuplike morphology was observed in blast cells in ۲۱.۲۵% of AML cases, which was associated with FLT۳-ITD mutation presence.Conclusion: FLT-۳ and MDR۱ do not affect each other. It is suggested to perform survival studies to determine the exact role of MDR۱ overexpression in drug resistance issues.

Keywords:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) , Cuplike morphology , FLT۳-ITD , Gene expression , Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR)